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THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



A DRAMA 



CONSISTING OF PROLOGUE, FIVE SCENES, EPILOGUE 



BY 



FRANKLIN P. NORTON 

Author of Six Dramas of American Romance 
and History 



THE SECRETARY OF STATE 

FINANCIER OF NEW YORK 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, OR THE REBELLION 

OTOMIS, THE INDIAN OF MEXICO 

THE THIRD TERM 

KING OF WALL STREET 

and of 
MACHIAVELLLI 



For information regarding these plays, terms, etc., address 

THE SCHULTE PRESS 
132 East Twenty-third Street 
New York, N. Y. 



Table '^to^'V 



Of technical terms, used in this play. 

ENTRANCES AND EXITS 

B. 1. R. for Back First Entrance — in back wall, right side. 

B. 2. E. ■' Back Second Entrance — in back wall, centre. 

B. 3. E. " Back Third Entrance — in back wall, left side. 

1^. 1. E. " Left First Entrance — in left wall, at front. 

L. 2. E. " Left Second Entrance — in left wall, at middle. 

L. 3. E. " Left Third Entrance — in left wall, at rear. 

R. 1. E. " Right First Entrance — in right wall, at front. 

R. 2. E. " Right Second Entrance — in right wall, at 

middle. 

R. 3. E. " Right Third Entrance — in right wall, at rear. 

In case the stage is set with "wings" instead of "walls" 
these same relative positions apply. Which way it is set 
can be determined from the descriptive matter at the be- 
ginning of each scene. 



LOCATION OF PROPERTIES 

C. 1. for Centre One — in the centre at footlights. 

C. 2. " Centre Two — in the centre of stage. 

C. 3. " Centre Three — in the centre at rear. 

L. 1. " Left One— on the left at footlights. 

L. 2. " Left Two — on the left at middle. 

L. 3. " Left Three— on the left at rear. 

R. 1 " Right One— on the rightt at footlights. 

R. 2. " Right Two — on the right at middle. 

R. 3. " Right Three — on the right at rear. 

Please bear in mind that the "right" and "left" are the 
right and left of the audience, and not of the players. 



/ 



...•■ AUG 31 I9IS 

)C1.D 44789 



Copyright, 1916 by 

Franklin P. Norton, 

author ^^^ 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Sir Richard, a Wealthy Peer. 

Lord Cruz, a Villain. 

Viscount Cruz, his Son, {of the Red Hussars). 

Sir Edward, a Knight, {in love zvith Hermina). 

Albert, a Soldier, {in love ivith Amy). 

Colonel Arden, of the Red Hussars. 

An Archbishop. 

A Wagoner, 

A Boatman, 

both in Sir Richard's employ. 
Coachman, 
Lackey, 

both in Lady Clara's employ. 
A Doctor. 
A Sentry. 

Scene- 



DRAMATIS PERSONAL 

A Corporal, and his Guard. 
Alexandria, Wife to Sir Richard. 
Hermina, their Daughter. 
Geraldine, Sister to Sir Edward. 
Lady Clara, a Coquette. 
Crystal, an Outcast. 
Amy, a Housemaid. 

The Magdalen, a False Claimant to Sir Rich- 
ard's estate. 

Surrogate, Clerk of Court, Stenographer, 
Const ABLE-s Police Officer, District Attor- 
ney, and Trustee, {these appear in the Court- 
room scene). 

Knights and Ladies, Soldiers, Ball Guests. Wed 
ding Guests, Musicians, Attendants, etc. 

In England, in modem times. 



PROLOGUE 



A Sitting Room in the Mansion at "The Swamps 
The usual furnishings, including a sofa at R. 
\., a desk at L. 1., a stand at C, 2, — A case- 
ment adorned u'ith portieres at B. 2. E., a dooi 
at R. 2. £., a door at L. 2. E. 

The "capital letters and figures" used above, ami 
throughout the play, are "technical terms" in 
use on the stage. Being represented here by 
their "initials^" only, reference must be made 
to the "table" on the preceding pac,e for an 
explanation. 

Enter Lord Cruz, in a stealthy manner, B. 2. E. 

Lord Cruz. 

This is the cage, that holds my pretty bird : 

Whose cruel husband brought from London, here. 

To sever us, when she was almost mine. 

Poor fool ! he little knew mad love's power. 

To think it could be circumvented thus. 

A weary search we had, my spies and L 

Before we run the quarry down. "The Swamp" — 

A hamlet, with no habitation near : 

Such solitude seemed to preclude discover}-. 

She is here : and shall go hence at once ; 

If this lying tongue, lack not persuasion. 

Coming by stealth, I must remain by stealth. 

{Hides in portiere B. 2. E.) 

Enter Sir Richard assisted by Servant, A'. 2. E. 

Servant. 
Master, that outdoor walk has done you good ; 
Rest a bit now within this easy chair. 



£.) 



Sir Richard. 
Now that I am well seated, you may go 
But send your mistress here by my command. 

{Exit Servant L. 2. 
I often overhear the servants call me, 
"Crusty Sir Richard." Supposing I am? 
'Tis continued ill health that made me so. 
Then too, Lord Cruz's attentions to my wife, 
Have aggravated a weakness of the heart' 

Enter Alexandria, L. 2. E. 
Alexandria. 
You sent for me Sir Richard. 

Sir Richard. 

Damn it, yes ! 

I can't trust you out of sight. 

Alexandria. 

Why not? 

Sir Richard. 
Have you forgotten your London escapade, 
When you planned to elope with Lord Cruz? 

Alexandria. 
Ah, you ignore my faithfulness for years; 
And only remember that one false step! 

Sir Richard. 
That intercepted letter, put me wise : 
And I to save honor, brought you here 
To this lonesome hamlet, called The Swamp. 
Ha. ha, I think I threw him ofT the scent, 
Or he would have followed you ere this. 

Alexanpri.\. 
Dreadful solitude! Slowly I pine away. 



THE LADY OF THK SWAMP 



Sir Richard. 
A fool I was — January to mate with May ! 
Enter IIermin'a, L. 2. E. 
IIkrmina. 
Oh, Papa, this is my sixteenth birthday ! 

Sir Richard. 
My daughter ! my sweet 1 lermina ! — Herod like, 
I say. Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt. 
Even to the half of all that I possess. 
And I will give it thee. 

IIermina. 

No, not so much — 
But I will ask for something. 

Sir Richard. 

What, my dear? 

IIermina. 

That we may return to London. 

Sir Richard. 

Perdition ! 
Why do you ask for that? 

Hermina. 

My treasure's there: 
And where that is, the heart is bound to be. 
I long for its pomp pride and glitter. 
And the homage of the courtly gallants ! 

Sir Richard. 
You are .sweet and innocent, and perfection — 
Except one thing: Would it had never been. 

Hermina. 
'What — had never been ? 

Sir Richard. 

\'o\XT descent from her: 
Would that she had never been your mother. 

Her.mina. 
O, father, why not the child of dear mamma ! 

Sir Richard. 
Because you have inherited some of her 
Tainted nature : and it may cause you pain. 

Alexandria. 
You are very cruel to me ! I grant you. 
That I do love pomp, pride, and glitter; 
But with no bad intent. As for the wrong. 
Done you last fall in London, blame yourself: 
You tried to coop me closely up at home ; 
And the caged bird soon grows discontented. 

Sir Richard. 
You are dead to me, dead to the world, and 
It is fittino- that you should be sepulchered. 
In this lonely spot : — when honor is gone. 
The woman is dead. 

Alexandria. 



Mv honor is safe stil 
Will drive me mad ! 



Praised be the Saints, 
but vour harshness. 



Hermina. 

Don't weep so dear mamma— 
My embrace must soothe you. 

Sir Richard. 
Come you, Hermina: let us leave her here: 
I want you to assist me to my room. 

{Exeunt Sir Richard and Hermina L. 2. E.' 

Lord Cruz, {comes forth) 
Hist, my Alexandria ! 

Alexandria. 

Lord Cruz, you here ! 

Lord Cruz. 
Yes, sweet one. Concealed there, I heard all — ■ 
You must leave this place with me at once. 

Alexandria. 
No, no, I will not desert my husband: 
And can not leave my darling Hermina. 

Lord Cruz. 
Then good-bye forever! 

Alexandria. 

Do not say that ! 

Lord Cruz. 
This man is full fourteen years your senior: 
He is a brute; and cares naught for you: 
You will be a prisoner here for life. 

Alexandria. 
Alas, that's true, for he did say as much. 

Lord Cruz. 
I love you fondly ! and will make yon happy ! 
Once the clanking legal chains that bind you, 
Are broken by divorcement ; we will wed : 
For you know that I am a widower. 

Alexandria, {reflectively) 
He is harsh and cranky, yet good and kind ; 
And I loved him. — He grew madly jealous, 
Over your courtesies, and we quarreled : 
Then, to my amazement, came your letter 
Asking me to elope ; which in my passion, 
I answered with a consent ; which answer 
Fell into his hands. 

Lord Cruz. 
The devil it did ! 
That explains why he secreted you here. 

Alexandria. 
Had I been myself, I would have spurned 
Your letter ! 

Lord Cruz. 
Why ? 

Alexandria. 

What right had you to thin!< 
That I would elope with you — or any man? 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Lord Cruz. 

No right whatever: it was a wild act, 
Bom of my frenzy ! Can you forgive me? 

Alexandria. 

If you never repeat the offence. 

Lord Cruz. 

Agreed. 
But you will let me conduct you to London, 
Where you can live with your own friends. 
I promise to see you no more — at least, 
Not until you are divorced. 

Alexandria. 

Your words, 
Fill me with hope ! for to tell the truth, 
I have vainly striven to think of some 
Honorable way to leave him ; for I 
Cannot expect to be reconciled, — a smut 
I'pon his honor, he never forgives. 



And vou will go ? 



Lord Cruz. 



y\LExANDRIA. 



Yes. — on the conditions 
That you mentioned. My wraps are within — 
Excuse me a moment. (Exit L. 2. E.) 

Lord Cruz. 
Sweet creature ! 

I would woo her honestly, heaven knows ; 
But she is another's, and must remain so. 
For she has no grounds for divorce, and 
He will never apply for one. Society, 
Calls this sin; but who can bridle passion? 
Who can fix an equatorial line to love ; 
Marking off its calmer, from its torrid heats? 

.\lexandria. (re-entering) 
Now I am attired for the journey. 

Lord Cruz. 

Good! 
Then we will depart. 

Alexandria. 

There is a sad duty, 
To be (lone first: I must leave a note. 

Lord Cruz. 
Oh, can"t you omit that? 

Alexandria. 

An explanation. 
Will prevent a misconception of my flight. 

Lord Cruz. 
Make it brief, then. 

(Alexandria ^its dozen at desk L. \. and 
writes a note, and leaves it on stand C. 2.) 
Alexandria, (weeping) 
Good-bye darling Hermina ! — and Sir Richard! 

(Exeunt P. 2. E.) 



Rc-cntcr Sir Richard and Hermina. L. 2. E. 

Sir Richard. 
I think that you were right, to ])ropose 
Coming back to mother. 

Hermina. 

O yes, father. 
To err is human: to forgive — divine! 

Sir Richard. 

I can't forgive her, but I will be civil : 
My house holds their honor dearer than life. 

Hermina. 
She is not here. 

Sir Richard. 

What is this? A letter. 

Addressed to me in her handwriting! 

(Reads) You and I were not without love; but 
uncongenial, and unsuited to each other ; besides 
vou are retiring, and I am gay. These things, 
small in themselves, inflamed by misunderstand- 
ings, have raised a gulf between us that can 
never be bridged. Then too, I feel that you are 
right about Hermina ; it is better tiiat she should 
be solely under your tutelage. Tell her that I 
have gone to London, to live with some friends. 
God bless you both ! 

.Alexandria. 

What, fled the house ! This is a guilty act ! 
O. my weak heart throbs violently : — 
Summon the wagoner ; we must pursue her. 

IIer.mina. 

We are spared the summons, here ht comes : 
No doubt with some revelation. 

Enter the W.xgoner R. 2. E. 

Wagoner. 

My Lord, my Mistress — 

Sir Richard. 

Hast thou seen he-? 

Wagoner. 

She was just driven in the direction 
Clf the railway station. 

Sir Richard. 

Driven — by whom ? 
Wagoner. 

By a country lout, in a farmer's carriage : 
There was a man with her, whose face I s.iw 
And recognized, as he looked back. 

Sir Richard. 

.■\ man ! 
Who was this man ? 

Wagoner. 
Lord Cruz. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Sir Richard. 

That scoundrel ! 
She has run away with him ! O shamo — 

(Sir Richard fails to floor unconscious, is re- 
moved to sofa R. 1. and finally opens his eyes) 

Hermina. (to Wagoner) 

What are we to do, the nearest Doctor 
Is far away? 

Sir Richard. 

Never mind the doctor, 
This blow is the end of me. — One last word : 
Hermina my child, death troubles me not, 
My care now, is to shield you from sorrow; 
Always live a secluded life; temptation. 
Will then be reduced to a minimum : 
And remain a maid, marriage is dangerous ; 
This counsel I hope you will heed. 

Hermina. 

Marriage, 
Ts the fondest dream of a maiden's thought : 
Oh do not awaken me from that dream. 

Sir Richard. 

If you marry, your husband may run off 
With another man's wife, like Lord Cruz did ; 
Or you may turn out like your false mother. 
And desert your husband. 



Hermina. 

But father dear. 
Dear mamma may repent her hasty step. 
And come back home more true and faithful, 
Than she ever was. 

Sir Richard. 

Heaven grant she may! 
Then I have misjudged her and her tainted 
Heritage to you. But she may not return : 
Then I have not misjudged these matters: 
Then you must never marry : do you promise ? 
My child, I am doing this for your good : — 
She answers not, her silence angers me ! 

(He becomes hysterical.) 
My curse upon you, if you do not promise. 
And keep that promise! 

Hermina. 

Father, I promise ! 

Sir Richard. 

That is a good girl : don't think me cruel, 

It is my love for you that inspired it. 

(A pause) O, my heart! — -Farewell Hermina! 

Hermina. 

Farewell dear Father! (He dies.) Woe is me! 
A mother fled and a father dead ! 

■ ( Curtain. ) 



SCENE I. 



A Summer Parlor in the Mansion at "The Swamp." 
The rear zvall is entirely covered with 6 tapestries 
— the two in the centre when draivn apart disclose 
a supposed mirror hut in reality a tnoving-pictiire 
screen — tlic tivo at right and the tivo at left when 
drawn apart disclose iron-grating work instead of 
wall through which can be seen a narrow stream 
running past the house with some yachts and shal- 
lops sailing by and across the stream a highivay 
with some passers-by. Unseen by audience this 
highzcax crosses a bridge and winds along the left 
of summer parlor, and the sights moving on it are 
reflected on the mirror, as they pass a casement 
which is located at left-front (this effect is pro- 
duced by a moving picture machine in the witig). 
In the centre of the stage is a spinning zvhcel, a bo.v 
containing wool of various colors, a stand-rack with 
yarn spun from the wool hanging on it, each color 
separate, a standing-loom with the warp of a tapes- 
tr\< on it but not the weft. A sofa at R. 1., some 
chairs, a door at R. 2. E. 

Enter Albert and Amy, A'. 2. E. 

Amy. 

I frown upon you, but you chase me still : 
Now you've entered here against my will ! 



Albert. 

As your words chime, I'll answer them in rhyme. 

Yesterday, I saw you gathering flowers. 

On the steep mountain's side, that towers 

From out a frightful bottomless abyss ; 

A mis-step slides you o'er the precipice : 

I spoke ; my act had nothing of pretense, 

I only sought to warn you thence. 

Amy. 

Your scare, 
Was long in coming. I am often there. 

Albert. 

Of this, happily, I was unaware : 

I am in the The Swamp only a day or so, 

A soldier home returned on furlough. 

Amy. 
The nearest dwelling house is far away, 
Yet you are here : live you in the woods ? 

Albert. 
No — I ride horseback over every day : 
To wander far suits with my restive moods. 

Amy. 
'Twas rude to enter here without invite. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Albert. 
You didn't bar the door, to my surprise. 

Amy. 
But my angry face was black as midnight- — 

Albert. 

And a mischievous look within your eyes. 
Come, let us be friends ! my name is Albert : 
I respect you, for I have a sister dear. 

Amy. 
And my name's Amy. 

Albert. 

Are you Mistress here? 

Amy. 

No, a maid :— now, you don't care to flirt ? 

Albert. 

I'osition's nothing, 'tis yourself I prize. 

Then your mistress is "Lady of the Swamp?" 

For so the farmers call this house's owner. 

Amy. 

Who lives secluded, yes; yet reared in pomp: 
Her days she spends in weaving, and in sighs. 



Why does she so? 



Albert. 



Amy. 



That has been my surmise : 
I know not, unless being young and fair. 
She shuns the world, because danger is there. 

Albert. 

Ah, being timid, she suspects a snare : — 
Immured thus, and yet you say she knits? 

Amy. 

The rear wall is covered with her tapestries — 
She weaves in magic web with colors gay, 
Some of the sights seen on yonder highway : — 
Even knights and Princes oft pass this way. 

Albert. 

How can she see them ? 

Amy. 

Through the window here ; 
(Points to casement, on left in front) 
They're reflected on that huge looking glass. 

Albert. 
It's covered. 

Amy. 

I draw the tapestry away. 
( Uncovers screen-glass in rear, a highzvav is reflect- 
ed on it, visible to actors and audience — done by 
photo machine in ivinc/s. ) 



Albert. 

Moving pageants in its blue depths appear! 
Which come as shadows, and like shadows pass. 

Amy. 

Does not the glass reflect well? 

Albert. 

Perfectly ! 
Amy. 

It is the highway that leads to Camelot ; 
Crossing a bridge it runs along a lake, 
Wliich you see now that I draw this tapestry. 

( Uncovers iron-gratings each side 
of screen-glass, shozving a lake 

flowing by the rear of house.) 

Albert. 
"Arabian Nights" beats this scene not a jot ; 
I rub my eyes to see if I'm awake : 
Through two rear wall iron-gratings I espy. 
Water — with yachts and shallops sailing by. 

Amy. 

Now that you've had a view, I must restore 
The coverings, and leave things as before. 
(Coz'ers screen-glass and grat- 
ings again zvith the tapestry.) 

Albert. 

You say your mistress wrought this drapery ; 
An art got from the Saracens of old ; 
Where dyed wools worked in gorgeous patterns. 
Preserve the heroic actions of the bold. 



Amy. 



Which like you best ? 

Albert. 

Two — here on a shield, 
A red cross knight-errant forever kneels 
To a lady : and on light yellow field. 
Is wove in scarlet, a Prince and his escort. — 
The work is difficult? 

Amy. 

It is a woman's sport. 
Here are colored wools : and spinning wheel 
With which the stuff is twisted into threads. 
Called worsted yarn : hung here in a row. 
( Shozi's a rack zcith yarn hung 
on it, eaeh color separate.) 

Albert. 
The primary colors, yellows blues and reds, 
And the secondary, in tints of a rainbow! 

A^[Y. 
Here's a loom — on which close together hung, 
Parallel stranrls of linen yarn are strung. 
Running up and down : this we call the warp. 

Albert. 
And on this, these colored yarns are woven, 
To create the picture? 



I.ADV OF THI-, SWAMP 



Amy. 

Yes with a needle, 
The yarn is run through from right to left. 
Until it's finished : this we call the weft. 

Al-BERT. 

As plain as pikestaff : now I am initiate, 
In a thing that woman's .skill can create. 

Amy. 

And being so, you must now take your leave ; 
Talking with strangers does my lady grieve : 
Resides, no converse should be held at all. 
With a rude man who makes enforced call. 

.•\ I.BERT. 

You said rude, but with laughter in your eye — 
I won't annoy you more, I'll say good-bye, 
After I have kissed — 

Amy. 

ME?— Villain stand! 

Albert. 
I did not mean your face — only your hand. 

Amy. 
We can dispense with that. 

Albert. 

Well then adieu ! 
Amy. 
Adieu ! 

(Exit Albert R. 2. E.) 
I miss him now that he has gone away : 
Heigh-ho, perhaps we'll meet another day. 

(Exit Amy R. 2. E.) 
Enter Hermina R. 2. E. 

Hermina. 

Dear father has been dead nearly a year : 
It seems much longer : for time hangs heavy 
On a heart that's ill at ease. The Swamp 
Is dreadful lonesome; but what matters it, 
Gloom is best for one forbidden to wed. 
Not to marry, unless mother came back. 
Innocent and contrite — was my promise. 
Dear dear mother! what has become of her? 
When, O when, will my searchers get a clue? 
Work — is nature's sweet balm for affliction: 
I will spin out the thread begun yesterday. 

{Sits at spinning 'wheel, finislies thread and hangs 
it on the rack) 
The rack now holds enough yarn for the weft. 
And the warjj is already on the loom : 
Now, to choose a subject for the tapestry — 
Let's unveil the mirror and view the highway. 

{Goes and uncovers screen-glass, 
it shozcs a zcoinan on the hightvay) 
The only person that is passing now, 
Is an elderly woman ; who seems to be 
Just outside the casement. She is weary, 



^For she staggers — and now falls! Poor soul. 
She must have some refreshment and rest ; 
And I will play the good Samaritan. 
{Exit through casement left-front, 
soon returns unth woman) 

ITer.mina. 

Lean on me till we reach that easy chair. 

Crystal. 

You are very kind. 

Hermina. 

Now that you are sunk. 
Into its upholstered depths, I will ring 
For some nourishment. (Rings, Amy appears) 
-Amy, provide a nice repast for this lady : 
When it is ready, come and let me know. 

Amy. 
Yes Ma'am. (Exit Amy R. 2. E.) 

Crystal. 
You saw me on the road ? 

Hermina. 

Only your shadow — 
Wbich was reflected in the mirror there : 
Gazing in it, I saw you stagger and fall. 

Crystal. 
I had a weary journey. 

Hermina. 

Whence came you? 
Crystal. 

From the indigent ladies home in Camelot ; 
Which is the only home, I can remember. 
Tliey found one wandering along the road, 
In a demented state, and took me there. 

Hermin.v. 
And you recovered? 

Crystal. 
All but my memory ; 
The past was entirely blotted from me ; 
And that fault they were trying to cure. 
'Tis said that "suspended memory", as 
The doctors call it, is oftenest cured. 
By a sudden shock. 

Hermina. 
That is a harsh way. 

Crystal. 
P.ut if shock be effective; let it come, 
.■\nd lift the veil that hides departed years. 

Hermina. 
'Why did you not remain in that institution? 

Crystal. 
I left, despite entreaties not to do so: 
Some strange, some uncontrollable impulse, 
Drove me forth to walk in this direction. — 
Why do you gaze at me so fixedly? 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Hermina. 

On a closer scrutiny of your face, 
I see a resemblance to my lost mother. 



Strange ! 



Crystal 
Had your mother white hair like mine? 
Hermina. 



No, 



Her hair was gold, with just a silver tinge. 
Crystal. 

Not being old, I think my hair grew white. 
From mental sickness or some sudden fright. 
Because of it, the nurses klept me Crystal. 

Hermina. 
Crystal — a pretty name : and mine's Hermina. 

Crystal. 
How long has dear mother been dead ? 

Hermina. 

A year- 
Not dead, but missing: It is a sad story! 

Crystal. 

Now you weep — and I would be a comforter: 
Let me share your sorrow ; confide in me. 

Hermina. 

There was jealousy, and a man in it: 
She fled with him the day father died ; 
Stating she had gone to friends in London. 

Crystal. 

That was a pretext? 

Hermina. 

No, I found it true ; 
By writing to each of her many friends, 
One of whom replied that mother came there, 
On the very day she left here. Her refuge, 
Having been found, I at once sent a note ; 
Wherein I told her of dear father's death, 
And implored her to come back to me. 

Crystal. 
Did she answer? 

Hermina. 

No, but her hostess did ; 
Who said that she had received my note; 
That she went to her room to read it. 
And was never seen again. 

Crystal. 

Mysterious! 
Almost enough to shake your faith in her. 

Hermina. 
No, no, nothing could ever do that ! 



Crystal. 

Oh, 
That I might fill your absent mother's place ; 
For you indeed seem like my own daughter. 

Hermina. 

And so you shall; if you would be content, 

To make this gloomy place a home henceforth. 

Crystal. 

Nothing would afl^ord me greater delight ! 
I accept your gracious offer gladly. 

Amy. (Entering) 
The luncheon is prepared. 

Hermina. 

That's well. 
Crystal, this is Amy, my maid. (They courtesy) 
Amy — Crj'Stal is going to live with us. 

Amy. 
I welcome you. 

Crystal. 

I know we shall be friends. 

Hermina. 

Now go Crystal and eat your meal in peace : 
LTnvexed by my wearisome chatter : then 
Lie down and take some rest. 

Crystal. 

You are kind ! 
(Exeunt Amy and Crystal) 

Hermina. 

Oh ! she is a sweet wornian, and I hope 

We'll spend many pleasant days together ; 

I am glad she resembles dear mother. 

Now, to resume my work. (Watches screen-glass) 

The highway is very dull this morning; 

I guess that the mirror showed few sights, 

While my attention was bent on Crystal. 

No matter, I'll sit down and knit a sight, 

Reflected in the past : that came and went. 

But left enduring record on the memory. 

(Sits down facing screen-glass, 

'liith the loom in front of her 

and the rack beside her, then 

takes a knit-needle and threads 

it with yarn from the ra-ck) 
The warp on the loom runs perpendicular. 
Therefore the weft must run horizontal. 

(Knits on loom from right to left, 

and back again from left to right. 

continuous : soliloquizing as beloiv) 
Let me think : what has the glass reflected ? 
What panoramas have I seen in its depths. 
That I have not already woven ? 
Sometimes, a troop of damsels glad, 
.A. peddler on an ambling pad — 
Sometimes a curly shepherd-lad, 



10 



THE LADY OF THF. SWAMP 



Or long-hair'd Page, in crimson clad: 

More than once, in the silent nights, 

A funeral with pkiines and lights 

And music, went to Camelot : 

.And when the moon was overhead, 

Came two young lovers lately wed; 

A Lady and her Lancelot. 
(A horn sounds) Mark! a huntsman's blar 
It comes from the other side of the lake : 
I will draw the tapestry a bit aside. 
And pee]) through the iron-grating. (She does) 
A troop of Knights and Indies bound this way: 
They will soon cross bridge and pass casement; 
I'll watch for their reflection in the glass. 

(She gaccs in screen-glass, the 

equestrians are soon reflected) 
There tliey come, riding gaily two abreast : 
How^ handsoine and debonair the leader is. 
Look ! his com])anion's horse stumbles badly — 
And she goes over its head ! She is hurt ; 
For they dismount and gather around her: 
I'll go to the casement and beckon them 
To bring her in here. 

{She covers the screen-glass, again, then 
goes to casement at left-front, waves her 
hand and tzi'o Knights supporting a Lady 
enter, followed by other Knights and Ladies) 

Hermina. 

This way Gentlemen, into the spare chamber — 
Where the soft bed may ease the Lady's pain. 
(She goes towards door R. 2. E.) 

Doctor. 

That sofa will do, till we locate the harni; 
Which seems to be the foot. 

LjXDY Cl.\ra. 

My ankle here. 
{She lies doum on sofa at R. L) 
Doctor, it's lucky that you came along. 

Doctor. 
Yes, to minister to a stricken beauty. 

Sir Edward. 
Are you much hurt? 

Lady Clara. 

Quite a bit. Sir Edward. 

Sir Edward, {tenderly) 

Sad am I, Lady Clara ; and who grieves not, 
For you, the fairest flower of Camelot! 

Viscount. 

I haste to tender my svmpathy to thee ! 
He shall not get a smile the best of me. 

Lady Clara. 

Viscount Cruz. I thank you ever so much — • 
.^nd vou too. Sir Edward. 



Doctor. 

You Lordly rivals for the Lady's favor, 
Suspend your amorous attentions awhile; 
She needs a doctor now — not a lover: — 
Make way, and let me diagnose the wound. 
Shoe and sock must first come off. 

Lady Clara. 

Not here, 
(Spare me the blushes) but in the bedroom. 
Sir Edward, Viscount, your services again. 



Her.mina. 



I will precede you. 



Geraldine. 

And I will follow — 
And keep Lady Clara, company. 
{Exeunt Hermina, Lady Clara supported 
by Sir Edzuard and Viscount Cru^, then 
Doctor and Geraldine, R. 2. E. ) 

1 Lady. 

I envy Lady Qara the skill of making 
All things bend to her desire for conquest: 
Going over a horse's head is only one 
Of her many ruses to precipitate proposals. 

1 Knight. 

Lady Clara Vere de Vere — 

She puts strange memories in my head, 

Not thrice our branching limes have blown, 

Since I beheld young Laurence dead : 

Oh, her sweet eyes, her low replies ; 

A great enchantress she mav be. 

But there was that across his throat 

Which she had hardly cared to see. 

2 Lady. 

She's a great beauty, and as great a flirt : 
Very wealthy, and hopes to wed royalty : 
The homage of these two knights flatters her; 
So she lures them on to their destruction. 

2 Knight. 

The Viscount is too heartless to be hurt : 
But Sir Edward may receive mortal harm, 
L^nless chance directs his fancy elsewhere : 
If he take a new infection in the eye, 
Oara's image might fade away and die. 

3 Lady. 
I don't care a fig about their love scrapes ; 
Rut am worried over an oncoming ennui: 
What can we do here to kill the time? 

3 Knight. 

Look ! there is something that every lady, 
Takes a delight in, — lovely tapestries. 

Omnes. 
Let's have a look at them ! 
[They go to rear and inspect tapestries, 
except Lord Cm::, zvho comes to footlights) 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



11 



Lord Cruz, {aside) 
Alexandria's home ! What ugly phantoms rise, 
To point their accusing fingers at me ! 
A husband dead, a wife probably demented. 
On tliat fateful day nearly a year ago, 
A farmer drove us to the railway depot ; 
Where, despite my entreaties she left me : 
The innocent thing deemed it improper 
For us to travel to London together. 
Was I sorry, when not receiving a letter 
I at last located her home in London 
Only to find that she had disappeared? 
Well, for a while ; but I soon recovered : 
1 love women too well, to stick to one. 
Why call my son, the Viscount, heartless? 
He is fickle, — he takes after his father. 
How fair Hermina is? Fairer than her mother! 
The Viscount and she have never met before. 
I doubt not but this rakish son of mine, 
'Will yet entertain most unholy designs. 
Against this rose that blushes here unseen, 
And wastes its sweetness on the swampy air: — 
Upon my soul ! here they come, and together : 
She must not recognize me ; my companions 
Are coming this way, I'll mingle with them. 
(Re-enter Hermina and Viscount R. 2. E.) 

Hermina. (to Viscount) 
Please excuse me sir. 

Viscount. 

Stay, pretty maiden! 
(Hermina is annoyed and leaves him) 

Hermina. 
Ladies and Gents: the Doctor requests you, 
To proceed on your journey to Shalott : 
That Lady Clara will return to Camelot, 
As soon as the conveyance arrives, which, 
Was sent for just after the mishap. 

I Knight. 
Thank you ever so much, for your kindness, 
And hospitality ! 

Omnes. 
Thank you, Miss, thank you ! 
(Exeunt all but Cruz and Son, left-front) 

Viscount. 
Come sweet, give me a kiss ere I go. 

Hermina. 

Sir!— 

Viscount. 
Oh, I know that you are not reluctant, 
You are a bit timid ; I will play thief, 
And steal one. 

Hermina. 
Unhand me sir, help ! help ! 
(Re-enter Sir Edzvard; he frees Hermina 
from the Viscount, zt'iio grapples him) 



Viscount. 

Curse you ! this insult costs you a tumble — 
And when I have won the fall, I'll knock 
Your head against the floor. 



Sir Edward. 



Remember the Lady. 



Are you mad ! 



Viscount. 

She saw your bravado, 
She shall see your downfall. (They wrestle) 

Lord Cruz. 

Throw him, my son ! down with him ! Egad, 
You wrestled liim to a draw, in the bout 
For the amatuer championship. 

Hermina. 

Lord Cruz ! 
The man who enticed awav mother. 

(Exit R. 2. E.) 
(Sir Edward throws Viscount, then 
Viscount throws Sir Edward, neither 
getting "a fall" then Sir Edzvard 
throws Viscount again and is surely 
pinning his shoulders to floor, zvhen 
Lord Cruz grabs a stool and sneaks 
behind Sir Edward, speaking the zvhile) 

Lord Cruz. 
He shall not triumph over my dear boy — 
I'll hit his mazard with this footstool : 
Knock him senseless ; then make our escape ; 
Let him think or say what he will, after; 
He can't prove it by witnesses. 
( He raises the stool to strike, but 
sceim; tzvo men enter at left-front, 
he drops it in a guilty manner) 

Coachman. 
We came after the Lady Clara. 

LiRD Cruz. 

Damn it ! 
Why didn't you knock before entering. 
(Sir Edzcard haz'ing gained a fall, by 
pinning Jlscount's shoulders to floor, 
no'w rises and Viscount folloivs suit) 

Sir Edward. 
Viscount Cruz, that was "a fall"— 

Viscount. 

I grant it. 
This is your day : but the devil take me. 
If I don't make you pay dearly for it ! — 
Come Father. 

(Exeunt Lord Cruz and Viscount, left-front) 

Hermina. (entering) 

Thank heaven you are not harmed ! 



12 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Sir Edward. 

Oh no. 
Hermina. 
I tliou.^ht it best to summon your friends: 
Lady Clara insisted on coming along — 
Which delayed us. 

Sir Edward. 
You are very kind ! 
(Aside) Ye (lods! she is a perfect beauty: 
And stirs up all that's good and noble 
In me. 

(Re-enter Lady Clara, assisted 

by Geraldixe and Doctor, R. 2. £.)" 

Lady Clara. 

Where is this bad boy? 

Sir Edward. 

He and his fatlier, 
Just left. 

Lady Clara. 
I shall take the Viscount to task: 
How dare he flirt with any one but me ! 
And only a country girl, too. 

Coachman. 
Your Ladyship, the carriage waits outside. 

Lady Clara. 
Ah, coachman, you have arrived promptly : — 
Now come, you and the lackey, help me out. 

Doctor. 
And I will mount, and ride along behind. 

Lady Clara. 
Miss — I shall see that you be paid money 
For your service. 

Hermina. 

No, I will accept nothing. 

Lady Clara. 
Come, Geraldine, and Sir Edward. 

(They move to casement, boiv to Hermina, 
and exeunt Lady Clara supported by 
Coachman and Lackey, then Doctor) 

Geraldine. 
I want so much to be your steady friend : 
My name is Geraldine: this is my brother. 
Sir Edward. (Hermina and .Sir Edward bozv) 

Hermina. 
My name is Hermina : as T^dy Qara said, 
I am only a country girl now ; although 
Born and bred in London. 

Geraldine. 

That is our home: 
But this summer finds us out in Camelot : — 
We ride horseback over here quite often ; 
So don't be surprised when we drop in : 
That is if you don't mind. 



Hermina. 

I don't mind — 
I like you ; and I am lonesome at times : 
Would you really care to call? 

Sir Edward. 

Would we! 
What a delightful privilege! Miss Hermina, 
My life begins anew on this bright day! 

(He gaccs adoringly at her, she blushes) 

Geraldine. 

Oh my. Lady Gara is beckoning to us — 
We'll have to leave you : Good-bye ! 

Hermina. 

Good-bye! 
(Exeunt Geraldine and .Sir Edward) 
So they're coming here again — I am glad ! 
She is a sweet young girl : and Sir Edward : 
Why do blushes come when I speak that name ? 
I fear my heart has gone to him unasked. 
Alas! I had forgot my promise to father, 
Never to marr>' :— ratified with his curse. 
I must keep that, but can I control love? 

(Sits dozen at loom) 

I sought a subject for a tapestry — 

And fate sends me this one to be woven. 

Must I begin to weave a life tragedy. 

With yarn spun from woe, and dyed by tears: 

My very heartstrings tangled in the weft. 

And blighted hopes intermingled with the warp. 

(Begins to knit, speaking as follozvs) 

Ah, the poem that mother used to like, 

Comes back to me ! It runs thus— 

My life, which was so straight and plain, 
Has now become a tangled skein. 
Yet God still holds the thread ; 
Weave as I may. His hand doth guide 
The shuttle's course, however wide 
The chain in woof be wed. 

I am too sad, I can't recite the rest. 

(She buries her face in her hands, and Cry- 
stal who had entered in time to hear the stan- 
ra, 7inth a significant wave of her hand to 
show that she is ,i^oini; to surprise Hermina, 
recites the rest of poem, and while she does, 
advances and fondles her) 

Crystal, (recites) 

One weary night, when months went by, 
I plied my loom with tear and sigh. 
In grief unnamed, untold ; 
But when at last the morning's light 
Broke on my vision, fair and bright 
There gleamed a cloth of gold. 
And now I never lose my trust, 
Weave as I may — and weave I must — - 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



13 



That God doth hold the thread ; 
He guides my shuttle on its way, 
He makes complete my task each day ; 
What more, then, can be said ? 
(As Crystal proceeds Hernmia's face brightens, as 
she finishes, it beams) 

Hermina. 

You know the poem ! 

Crystal. 

I read it at the home — 
A dream of the past seemed in the lines, 
So I memorized it. — What made you sad? 



Hermina. 

I am young, and have youth's exuberance ; 
And somethi..g new just can.: into my life! 
But I must crush it out, on account of 
An unfortunate promise made to father. 
On his deathbed. O, I need mother's advice ! 

Crystal. 

Sometime she may come back. 

Hermina. 



Heaven grant it ! 
(Exeunt) 



SCENE II. 



The Hotel Buckingham at Camclot. 

The front of stage is set as a lawn, adorned 
zoith flozccrs and statuary, a vine-clad arbor at 
left near imng, a rustic seat at centre: back of 
this lawn thc-re is a narroiv stream of zvater 
flo7i'ing by from right to left, in the centre of 
which is an elevated narrozo bridge: on the 
other side of the stream there is another lazint, 
zi'hich leads np to hotel, the front of zi'hich is 
seen in background : hotel entrance at right, at 
left in second-story are large open imndcnt's of 
ballroom, at centre in second-story is a bal- 
cony : there is a grand ball on, and the aud- 
ience see it, zi'hen at the proper time, hotel 
band starts music, and the dancers inside zcalt.7. 
by the ballroom zinndozvs, giving an illusion of 
a' grand ball, in full szi'ing : the hotel and 
grounds are illuminated. The "speaking" in 
this scene is mostly done on this "lazi-n in front 
of stage" and it is entered from Right and 
Left: and from Rear via bridge. 

Enter Albert, Riglit. 
Albert. 

There stands the gorgeous Hotel Buckingham — 
With lights flashing in its thousand windows! 
That porch on the "right is the main entrance : 
And there on the left, with open casements, 
Is the grand ballroom. When the dance begins, 
("hie can easily witness the spectacle. 
From this remote part of the hotel lawn. 
Ah ! paraders are now passing casements. 
To the strains of the opening grand march. - 
Amy told me they were coming by boat : 
This water, that cuts the lawn in two. 
Is the verv same canal which runs past 
Her mistress home in Tlie Swamp. On this bank, 
I'll wait and watch for them. {E.vit Left) 
Enter Sir Edward, via bridge. 

Sir Edward. 

Behold ! nature has here a carpet spread. 
Of green mixed with many a flower bed ; 



A rich rug fit to kneel on to a Queen ! 
This very night I'll bring Hermina here. 
And pour my pent up passion in her ear. 
Her mysterious reserve is ho doubt shyness. 
For I have seen a lovelight in those eyes : 
Yet she politely declined my invitation 
To the ball ; but by Geraldine's pleading. 
Consented to come and view the spectacle. 
For a half hour or so ; provided that 
Crystal and Amy be her only escort: - - 
O, this doubt, is worse than certain doom! 
I must be satisfied to-night ! 

(Music in ballroom ceases) 
Enter Viscount, Right 

\'lSCOUNT. 

How do you do Sir Edward ! 
Sir Edward. 

Ah, Viscount ! 
You decided to come to the grand ball? 

Viscount. 

Yes — you know Lady Clara is to be here : 
So I had to. (Aside) That is a lie; 
I came to see the adorable Hermina! 

Sir Edward. 

Gerakline is across there at the quay, 
Waiting for Hermina and her companions. 

Viscount. 

You are a fortunate fellow Sir Edward, 
To have Hermina as partner at the dance. 

Sir Edward. 

Well, you know she is not that exactly. 
As she would not allow me to fetch her. 

N'iscount. 

Hark! the sounds of music in the distance — 
Those of the guests who come by the canal. 
Are no doubt arriving. 



14 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Sir Edward. 

Then I will quit you. 
And join sister on the quay. Adieu ! 

Viscount. 

Adieu ! 
(Exit Sir Edward, via bridi^c) 
And good riddance: I only feign friendship, 
The better to be revenged for that fall. 
When he told me that he loved Hermina ; 
Seeking a way to strike at him through her, 
I (to gain her confidence) went one day 
To beg her pardon humbly, and ere I left, 
■•Fell madlv in love with her myself. 
Besides, she is a real female Croesus : 
Far richer even than the Lady Clara. 
She smiles on him, and is austere to me; 
And this adds fuel to the flaming hate ! 

(Exit Viscount, via bridge) 

(The far sounds of tnitsic, alluded to bv Viscount, 
have been getting more distinct, and notv 
there cones into vie7i> a number of paddle- 
boats, motor-boats and small sail-boats, from 
which come melodious strains of harp, man- 
dolin, flute and zither: these are arriving 
guests of ball, and they land at guax on hotel 
S'ide of stream, cross lacWt and enter it, leav- 
ing moored boats entirely empty) 

Enter Amy, via bridge; she is met 
by Albert rrho re-enters, left. 

Amy. 

I saw some one beckoning from the shore. 
And looking closer, found it to be you : 
Sir Edward took Hermina and Crystal 
Into the hotel : and being free again, 
I came right across the bridge, to — 

Albert. 

See me? 
Amy. 
To ask how you dared come here? 

Albert. 

Beicause, 
I knew you were coming. 

Amy. 

That's no excuse ; 
And not the truth either, but just a ruse. 

Albert. 

Your words rhyme now; I'll help along the jest. 
And reply in iambus, trochee, dactyl, anapest ; 
I caught these metres when I went to school ; 
And at the art of jingling am no fool. 

Amy. (smiling) 

My poetry is not of any rule, I fear ; 

But only done by guidance of the ear. 

(Music comes from open windows of ballroom, 

and dancing is seen, soon in full sitnng) 



Albert. 

If you are nimble with your feet, as tongue ; 
Let's have a dance — the music has begun? 

Amy. 

Put arm around me ! that you'll never do ; 
"Tis a trespass, committed by very few. 

Albert. 
Of that few, Amy, I mean to be THE one. 

Amy. 
Keep away now, Albert — or I'll surely run. 

Albert. 
That's fine melody ! do you catch the beat ? 

Amy. 

Yes — and can scarcely still my restless feet ! 
It's a two-step — and the very latest tune. 

Albert. 

I am something of an amatuer music loon ; 
Play in a band, and understand "conducting;" 
See — I will beat the time, using my arm 
For baton. 

Amy. 

Proceed — I'd like to see it done. 

(He recites "two-beat" stanza, as follows, mark- 
ing time 7i.'ith his arm like a "leader" and 
keeping in unison unth ballroom music, which 
is two-beat, also called tzuo-step) 

Albert. 

Music — dancing — 
How en — trancing — 

All our — other — 

Joys en — hancing — ' 

Feet in — common — 

M easure — blen ded — 

Hearts at — ^tun'd till — 

Dance is — ended — 
Forward — backward — 
Gently — swaying — 
Sheepish — -glances — 
Love be — traying — 

Dancing — poet — 

Ry of — motion — 
Graceful — rolling — 

Like the — ocean ! 

(Amy begins to S7vay to and fro, Albert follows 
suit, and zvhen he ends the stanza they inim- 
tivelv come together and dance around stage 
till music stops) 

(Albert kneels to Amy) 
Amy. 
What are you doing there? 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



15 



Albert. 

Going to propose. 
Here, upon this bank of violets, I swear — 

Amy. 

Get up sir — don't spoil the soldier-clothes. 
Those gorgeous scarlet pantaloons you wear — 

Albert. 
Endless allegiance to my beauteous Queen ! 

Amy. 
Will be spotted at knee with grassy green. 

Albert. 
I won't rise till you promise, me to wed ! 

Amy. 
Then stay knelt always on this flower bed. 

(Amy jnerrily crosses bridge and enters hotel, 
Albert hazing rUcn zvatches her entry im-th a 
forlorn look then exit R.) 
Re-enter Viscount; who comes from 
hotel and remains near it. 

Viscount. 

Sir Edward brings Hennina on that Ixilcony : — 
Jealousy! the green-eyed monster jealousy. 
Makes me hang upon their every word and look. 
My first idea was to follow them there, 
So as to prevent any confidences : then. 
It occurred to me to leave them alone; 
To verify my suspicion that she loves him. 
Suspicion, is so foul a thing, that it longs 
To find some damning proof of the offense, 
The dread of which bred the suspicion. 

that I. like Argus, had a hundred eyes, 
To spy on them always : or better still, 
A hundred ears, to listen to their talk! 
There they are out on the balcony now : 
This boat lies in the shadow of bridge ; 

1 will get in it, and feign sleep. 

(Enters one of the boats lying at quay.) 

Enter Sir Edward and IIermin'a on hotel 
balcony : Music in ballroom resumed. 

Sir Edward. 

Hermina, in that lace robe of flowing white, 
With the diamond wreath in your silken hair. 
You are a story-book's young Queen to-night ; 
Sweetly incomparable and beyond compare ! 

Hermina. 

Sir Edward, your compliment makes me flush. 
With pleasure : but I fear that the picture, 
You have drawn of me, is too flattering. 

Sir Edward. 
On the contrary, it rather underrates you. 



Hermina. 
Hark! the band is playing again. {Thc\ listen) 

Sir Edward. 

If music, be the food of love, play on; 

Till my soul is satisfied. That strain again ; 

Oh what an harmonious rise and fall : 

It comes o'er my senses — like the moonbeams ! 

Hermina. 

Or like the perfume, that the gentle breeze. 
Steals from yon flower beds, and wafts to us! 

Sir Edward. 

Hermina, the sights that we have seen, and 
The sounds we have heard, inside and outside 
This grand Hotel Buckingham of Camelot — 
The music, the flowers, the starlit skies, 
The whisper'd speeches and the melting eyes, 
Recall to my mind a verse by Coleridge. 

Hermina. 

WTiat is it, I pray you ? 

Sir Edward. (Recites) 

All thoughts, all passions, all delights. 
Whatever stirs this mortal frame. 
All are but ministers of Love, 
And feed his sacred flame! 

Hermina. 

Do you agree with the poet? 

Sir Edward. 

In a way. — 
A noted savant, in treating the subject, 
Reaches another way the same conclusion. 
He says that the love that ends in wedlock, 
Is like first motion of a stone struck pool: 
The ripple soon extends to brotherly love, 
Then to the love of country, and lastly 
And best of all, to the love of God. 

Hermina. 
A beautiful sentiment! 

Sir Edward. 

And absolutely true. 
Wliy, the divine thoughts you have awaked 
In me, will never cease expanding. 

Hermina. 

Sir Edward ! 

Sir Edward. 

Why are you so shy ? It is pretty enough — 
All you do is charming — but it parts us. 

Herxiina. 
We are comparative strangers. 



16 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Sir Edward. 

Strangers. 
That is a cold word : if we be not lovers, 
It is not my fault : for with such skill 
As one fights to keep life, have 1" tried 
To attain that blessedness. 

Hermina. 

Our meeting, 
Was not so very long since. 

Sir Edward. 

A month ago : 
And we liave been together often alone ; 
At other times with my sister present. 

Hermina. 
Geraldine has become very dear to me ; 
I love her ! 

Sir Edward. 
And me ? 

Hermina. 

You are a friend, too! 

Sir Edward. 
Friend ! I scorn that attitude towards you : 
I must be all — or nothing. 

Hermina. 

You frighten me. 

Sir Edward. 
Forgive me, Hermina! I was beside myself. 
When we are together, feel you no unrest, 
Ko raging fire, like that within my breast ; 
Only friendship — not passion? 

Hermina. 

Heaven help me ! 
Tliere are sparks there perchance, that fanned. 
Would flame into greater love than you profess : 
I cannot say for sure ; I have locked up 
My heart's inner recesses, and thrown away 
The key, — for I can never marry. 

Sir Edward. 

Never marry ! 
Unsay those words — 

Hermina. 

I dare not — I can not. 
Sir Edward. 
O, God ! never marry ! 

Hermina. 

Shut off from bliss: 
Free to wed, only on a mere contingency, 
So unlikely to occur, that it is hardly 
Worth considering. 

Sir Edward. 
Thcce. don't droop, Hermina. — 
This is a strange thing in a young girl's life: 
Why shouldn't you marry, who can prevent you, 
These are the questions I would ask you. 
But delicacy forbids. 



Hermina. 

Fear of_ bringing 3hame 
On dear ones, who being worthy every way, 
I should and do hold in loving reverence, 
Prevents me from telling you. 

Siji Edward. 

Are you sure, 
That this horrible monster that threatens 
To keep us asunder perhaps forever, 
Is a real gorgon — and not the creation 
Of morbid fancies? 

Hermina. 

It is not imagination; 
Would it were: it is cruelly stern reality. 

Sir Edward. 

Beauteous maiden ! must I lose thee then ! — 
Oh, insupportable and crushing sorrow; 
Bringing hell to-day and leaving no to-morrow. 

Hermina. 

Don't give way to grief, it makes me suffer: 
Try to throw it off ; hearkening to music 
May divert you : list, now they have reached 
A miserere, (or, sadly sentimental) passage — 
That part which pleased you so. 

Sir Edward. 

The very same ; 
But it is not so sweet, as it was before. 

Hermina. 

The reason is, your soul's not now responsive. 

Sir Edward. 

And the soul, is music's sole interpreter. 
What seemed sublime, has become doleful : 
Like — like what? 

Hermina. 

The wail of a spirit, doom'd! 

Sir Edward. 

Or the lament of a pair of young lovers. 
Parted forever! — 

(Music and dancin<^ in ballroom ceases) 

Ah, I had forgotten : 
You spoke of a contingency ; a slender hope. 

Hermina. 
As slight as a hair. 

Sir Edward. 

To save me from madness, 
I'll have faith that this trifle, light as air. 
May yet prove our salvation. If it break: 
Then, with your image in my heart, enshrined; 
A fair sentinel against all others' charms ; 
I will live and die an anchorite. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



17 



Hermina. 

You think. 
That you will ; but you may be mistaken : 
This risen tide of emotion, might beat 
Madly and fruitlessly against the rocks awhile, 
And then ebb into the sea of forgetfulness. 

Sir Edward. 

Till from your own lips I have it, that. 
You love me not — I swear to be ever tnie! 
And in solemn attestation of this vow, 
I ask yon starry skies, to be a witness ! 

Hermina. 

O, you are noble good and magnanimous ! 
To such devotion I am not insensible. 
I should respond to your tender feelings, 
And I should not : desire points one way, 
And duty the other. 

Sir Edward. 

Then, you love me ! 
Oh, say that you do! 

Hermina. 

If I did love you — 
And you saw it as plain as though I wore 
My heart upon my sleeve, I'd deny it — 
For it would inflame your hopeless passion. 

Sir Edward. 
You couldn't resist me always ! 

Hermina. 

No, indeed : — 
And that being so, it is best we do part. 

Sir Edward. 

Part! — Do you know tlie meaning of tliat word! 
No, no, I am not near so strong as I thought : 
I can stand much ; but to be separated — 
That is too horrible ! Come Hermina, 
Break off these servile chains that holil you 
Tn subjection : there are few fond lovers. 
Who were never tried, terriblv tried : Think — 
Winds that beat it with nearly killing blows. 
Expand the bud into the full blown rose ! 

Hermina. 
Wliat can I do? 

Sir Edward. 

Why, follow the dictates. 
Of your pure heart, (a pure heart ne'er yet 
Counseled falsely), and become mine. 

Hermina. 

Alas, 
I know not what to do ; I am torn with 
Conflicting emotions : Only the Spirit, 
Who sits in the clouds, can jend a plutumet 
To the bottom of my grief ! 

{She despairingly covers face 7i'ith hands) 



Sir Edward. 

Don't fret dear ! 
Sooner than see you grieving thus, I will 
Abandon all. 

Her MI IMA. 

You will ? 

Sir Edward. 

Yes, leave you forever. 

Hermina. 

But parting, seems dreadful now to me too! — • 
I am resolved — and it brings great peace : 
My heart pleads for you ; I will be guided 
By your advice, and let IT have its way. 

Sir Edward. 
Mv darling ! — 

(She submits to his embrace, then breaks away: 
Music and dancing in ballroom resumed) 

Her.viin.'\. 

Be cahn awhile : before we bind ourselves. 
Let time enough elapse as to remove. 
All taint of impulse from my action. 
There goes the music for another waltz : 
Shall we go and dance that measure through ; 
And afterwards, (if I be of the same mind) 
We will— 

Sir Edward. 

Take a walk on yonder lawn there, 
Just across the bridge ! 

Hermina. 
Maybe I 
(Exit Hermina merrily into hotel, 
followed by Sir Edward) 

(^''ISCouNT rises in boat) 
Viscount. 

I am literailv on fire with jealousy! 
So thev are coming out after the dance. 
To pli'-ht their froth "billing and cooing!" 
^\'ln■ (lid she first sav. she couldn't marry? 
Tlicre must be a skeleton in the family: — ■ 
Hah ! b\- its e-xposure, T might part them. 
Soft, some one comes : why, it is father. 

fLoiRD Cruz comes from hotel and crosses 
bridge, Viscount leaves boat and folloivs) 

Lord Cruz. 

Why are you not with your lady? 

Viscount. 

Because, 
Sir Edward is monopolizing her ; curse him ! 
{He paces violently up and doivn) 

Lord Cruz. 

Your love must be deep rooted like an oak, 
That when o'erthrown, does leave an ugly hole. 
Don't despair: I^ady Clara may yet be won. 



18 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Viscount. 
Pugh ! I spoke not of her. 

Lord Cruz. 

"What, not of her! 
Who else then? 

Viscount. 
The adorable Herniina. 

Lord Cruz. 

Rosh !- 
You are slated to wed Qara — and her fortune : 
That is if she will have you. 

Viscount. 

Sweet Herniina, 
For me ; and none other. 

Lord Cruz. 

Are you crazy, man! 
We face dire ruin unless we have shortly, 
Lady Clara's money. Herniina, indeed ! 
Why her mother eloped with me ! 

Viscount. 

The Devil 
She did! 

Lord Cruz. 
That is. she fled her home with me; 
And went to friends in London. Elopement, 
It surely was, even thougrh its consummation 
Was by her whim delayed till the future. 
A few days afterwards, she disappeared; 
Tust after bavins; received a letter, 
Presumed to have been sent by Herniina : 
This I learned from her hostess friend. 

Viscount. 
Well this beats a fairy tale! Pray tell me. 
How you came to know the inmates of that 
Lonely house, which we visited by the 
Alerest chance — Lady Gara's mishap? 

Lord Cruz. 
Egad, on that day, I had to keep from 
Hermina's sight, for fear of recognition. — 
I knew them in London ; they left suddenly. 
And I lost track of theiin ; when I spotted 
Their dwelling place, I came out one day 
About a year ago, and took her away. 

VisaiuNT. 
A most strange and startling revelation : 
Divulged, involuntarily of course, by you 
To set me against Hermina ; but it fails 
To effect its object. 

Ijokd Cruz. 
Reware sir ! 

Viscount. 

Listen :- 
I don't think Lady Clara loves anybody ; 
But feel sure she would accept Sir Edward : 
He loves Hermina; and is like to get her: 



If I marry her; I am revenged on him: 
And enriched, besides — for she is wealthy ; 
Fabulously wealthy. 

Lord Cruz. 

How do you know that? 

Viscount. 

His time being up, her father's executor, 
Just filed an inventory of the estate, 
With tlie Probate court : millions of dollars 
In real and personal property are hers. 
At least, she is "Cestui que trust." 

Lord Cruz. 

What's that? 

Viscount. 

The will creates a trust : she is "beneficiary :" 
She gets the entire income during her life ; 
Which is a hundred thousand pounds yearly : 
Tlie estate being worth two million pounds. 

Lord Cruz. 

Marvelous ! She is a regular treasure trove ; 
And should revert to you, as the finder. 
But have you good proof of this? 

Viscount. 

The best, — 
I have seen the court records. 

Lord Cruz. 

My dear son, 
I am proud of you : You have my consent, 
You shall have her. 

Viscount. 

Easier said than done : 
I just now overheard him "pop" to her; 
First she refused, then accepted him. 

Lord Cruz. 
Why refuse? 

Viscount. 

Said, she could never marry. 
Lord Cruz. 
That was no doubt because of elopement. 

Viscount. 
By Jove ! you are right ; it just struck me. 

Lord Cruz. 
That shows scruples. 

Viscount. 

Yes, which he overcame. 

Lord Cruz. 

But we can revive them ; for the maiden 
Is evidently very conscientious. 

Viscount. 
Rut how to do it? that is the question. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



19 



Lord Cruz. 

We must bring it to her notice somehow ; 
Perhaps by anonymous communication ; 
That her mother's relations towards me, 
Are infamous. 

Vl.SCOUNT. 

Will she believe it? 



Lord Cruz. 



Yes- 



When we truthfully record the main facts. 
The ones well known to her — she will credit 
The lies. 

Viscount. 

An admirable plan in its way ; 
But you forget something : having good cause 
To loathe you, she will loathe me also. 

Lord Cruz. 

That matter can be considered afterwards; 
The first step, is to part the turtledoves. 
Then, you might go to this social outcast ; 
For such she will deem herself ; and with 
A few h}'pocritical words, protesting, 
lliat her disgrace is no bar to your love, 
Offer her wedlock : — ^It's ducats to deniers ; 
That you win. 

Viscount. 
Good! that meets my objection. 
When from her talk I smelt a skeleton ; 
I thought it could be utilized, if known. 
Presto ! forth you come like a magician : 
Cry, hocus-pocus — wave your wand — result. 
Secret is revealed, and way to use it. 

{Music and dancing i^i ballroom ceases) 

Lord Cruz. 
Hu.sh ! Like the devil, who always appears 
When talked of, they come from the hotel. 

Viscount. 
And seek this spot : for so they agreed, 
To do after the dance that just ended. 

Lord Cruz. 

Let us hide behind this vine-clad arbor. 
And listen to their idle prattle : Perhaps 
It may enure to our advantage. If caught, 
We can justly claim that in the open, 
All places are alike. 

(They hide behind arbor left-wing: 
Sir Ed-ward and Hermina come 
from hotel and cross bridge) 

Hermina. 
O what a lovely spot ! 

Sir Edward. 

Isn't it charming. 
(He plucks a rose from btt^h) 
Here is a rose: take it as a token. 
Of the love I bear vou ! 



Hermina. 

A priceless gift! 
Oh, so beautiful :(j)«r//j it) and fragrant! 

Sir Edward. 
Would it smell as sweet, given otherwise? 

Hermina. 

It might, given by another name: (blush) 
It would not, given by another hand. — 
Now, please do me a favor. 

Sir Edward. 

With pleasure ! 

Hermina. 

Fetch me a wrap for the shoulders ; my cloak. 

Sir Edward. 

Your most obedient — 

Hermina. 

Now that I think of it. 
You may bring everything of mine. Besides, 
Tell Crystal and Amy to get bonneted, 
And come to the quay ; as we depart soon. 

Sir Edward. 

Not going already! 

Hermina. 

You know I just came 
To sec the sights : and I have done more ; 
We danced together twice. 

Sir Edward. 

But darling! 
This message threatens direst results : 
To be awhile with you alone, means much : 
But on my return, ere ten words are spoke, 
These females that did escort you hither, 
Will come out and bear you off. 

Hermina. 

Never fear : 
Ladies do not so quickly don their wraps. 

Sir Edward. 
I know they don't : but they might this time. 

(He crosses bridge and enters hotel) 

Hermina. 

Who can truly fathom a young girl's heart? 
Tliough I long much for what is to come ; 
Yet this short respite is welcome too : 
Such is bashfulness. — (She gazes around) 
A lawn, full of beauty ; and midst the rest, 
A bower, in leaves and lattice dressed : — 
I will enter, there. 

( Hermina enters arbor ; Lord Cruz and 
Viscount come front, speaking loiv) 



20 



THE LADY OF THK SWAMP 



Lord Cklz. 

Here is a chance to carry out our sclienie. 
To defame ]ier motlier's g-oocl name ; speaking 
Loud enough to be overhear<l by her ; 
As we pass by arbor and onto bridge. 

\lSCOUNT. 

A most hajjpy thought ! Let's begin at once, 
For he will soon return. 

(Tiicv talk loudly walking aloiti; onto 
bridge, and finish there) 

I^)Ki) Cri'z. 

I will tell you the secret al)out llermina, 
Now that we are safe from listening ears: 
Her mother, Alexandria, is my mistress. 

(Hennina overhearing cautiously 

peers out of arbor door) 

\'lSCOUNT. 

Her mother. .Alexandria, is your mistress ! 
Are vou craz\, father? Is she not dead? 



Lord Cruz. 

Damn it ! will vou 



Give her up? 



Lord Cruz. 

-although she often wishes she was: 
for one year ago, 



Xo- 

Neither am I crazy 

She fled with me: but to mitigate her act. 

Went for a while to some friends in London : 

The shock of her flight, killing her husband. 

Shortly after, a letter was sent her 

Ky mail; 1 failed to ask her from whom: 

Realizing that her hidino- place was known : 

She left at once bv stealth, and came to me. 

I learned of her husband's death later: 

She perhaps knew of it through the letter: 

r.nt thinking the scandal would detpr me 

From entering into compromising rekitions 

\\'ith her, (which was certainly true enough), 

She kept it from me. 

1 give you the mere outline: the subject, 

Is too unsavory, to amplify it. 

Viscount. 

And she — 
Is your mistress, still? 

Lord Cruz. 

To my sorrow, yes ! 
It's not so easy, to shake oft our sins. 
When we tire of them. 

ViSOOUNT. 

Alas, poor Hermina! 
Lord Cruz. 
Now, you will forget her, my son, won't you? 

\'lSC<)U.\T. 

Hut father I love her; and she is pure: 
Why should the daughter, he ostracized. 
For the mother's crime? 



V'lSCX)UNT. 

I cannot! 

Lord Cruz. 

Then I quit you! 
You are no son of mine I 

{Exit Lord Crur: into hotel, Son follows: 
llermina, from arbor door has listenea 
spellbound to colloquy, she comes forth, 
staggers to rustic seat centre of stage, 
falls in it, buries face in hands and 
bursts out in a paroxysm of grief. 
Music and dancing in ballroom resumed) 

IIermina. 
"Her mother is my mistress!" Those words; 
Are indeliblv stam]ied on my memor\', 
Never to l>e effaced, I fear. Ghastly word ! 
My darling mother is that loathsome thing, 
Known by a name whose mere utterance. 
Blisters my lips ! O, endless woe is mine ! 
Poor dear ! my first work must be her rescue :— 
How can I find her? Ah, love will tell me. 
Lord Cruz is cruel ; and I despise him : 
l'>ut the Viscoiuit seems kind, and m;iy help: 
I'll plan it to-morrow; I'm distraught now. 
Noble Sir Edward has lo,st me forever; 
Hermina's dead — and this snowy lace robe. 
He liked so much, is become my shroud. 
O woe ! now that we are endlessly parted. 
My great love for him suiges like a flood. 
Would he love me in spite of all, T wonder? 
Love me ! Why if he knew this dark secret. 
He would even cease to respect me. Alas, 
It seems like fate; I yield to his plea. 
Firmly believing that dear mother is both 
Innocent and contrite: but I have no PROOF; 
For she has not returned :-To punish me, 
For this juggling with my oath to father, 
Proof presents itself — not of innocence — 
But of damning guilt. My first task must be, 
To wrench my graven image from his soul : 
This can l)e done by assumed indifference — 
Make him think that I mistook mv feelings; 
(Unref|uited love, is not incurable) : — 
O (rod ! it's a cruel work that's set me ! 
(Sir EduKird comes from hotel, across bridge; 
.She rises to greet him, sninling forcedly) 

Sir Edward. 
Now Hermina, our troth will be plighted. 
By moonbeam, starbeam, flower and grove ; 
With hotel there, most brilliantly lighted : 
Beneath the heavens, we'll whisper our love? 

Hermika. 
O, do not talk to me of love! (Turns away) 

Sir Edward. 
Hermina do you know what you are saying! 
Those harsh words rang sincere; but surely. 
You was not in earnest. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



21 



Hermina. 

I am very sorry. 
That I liad to speak them. 

Sir Edward. 

How strange you act. 
We came here expressly to ''spoon" a Httle: — 
When your toilette requisite compelled me 
To return to hotel ; I tliought the deldv. 
Chafed you as nuich as me. (He confronts kcr) 
Why what's the matter dear! Are you ill? 
You look deadly pale; and are agitated. 

Hermina. 

(Hysterical) The air is slightly chilly: 
And I am distressed — as I was on balcony. 

Sir Edward. 

Here's your cloak; let me put it on }ou. (Docs) 
Your big hat, is too much of a mystery: 
Sorry I can't lielp with it. (He gives hat) 

Hermina. 
And my purse, and trinkets. (He gii'cs them) 

Sir Edward. 
Do you feel better, now? 

Hermina. 

Quite composed. 
(Music and dancing in ballroom ceases) 

Sir Edward. 

I had something to say to you Hermina, 
Whose saying, would beget more saying: 
But you were pale ! and though it costs me high, 
I'll wait until a more auspicious time: — 
Fierv and impatient as my passion is, 
It is too sublime, ever to be selfish. 

Hermina. 

Too sacred a feeling, to be trifled with — 
No, I won't allow you to remain, deceived. 

Sir Edward. 
Deceived, — what do you mean? 

Hermina. 

That my doubts, 
Have arisen again. 

Sir Edward. 

Your distress just now. 
Told me that the bugaboo of "never marry," 
Had returned to torment you : — Cheer up ! 
Time will exorcise the demon. 

Hermina. 

But the demon. 
As you term it, has come back with power : 
And our attachment is not so undying, 
As to safely bid defiance to it. 



Sir Edward. 

How so :' 

Hermina. 

We are both too young to know our minds, — 
I am only seventeen. 

Sir Edward. 

And I am twenty one :— 
From childhood u[) are many lovers made. 

Hermina. 

But their love is cemented, by long time, 
And bitter trials. Yours for me, is untried: 
And mine for you, may not exist at all. 

Sir Edward. 

What mean you ? 

Hermina. 

Mv vanity alone is stirred: 
For I have no new and ecstatic feeling : — 
But love — that is real love, must give a joy. 
One never felt before : In music, even. 
Except there be distinction in the notes. 
All tunes would sound alike. 

Sir Edward. 

Help me ye Saints ! 
There is withering horror in tliose words ; 
That fall so unexpectedly from your lips : — 
But I'll believe them false prevaricators ; 
For they flatly contradict your loving ones. 
Spoken while on the balcony. 

Hermina. 

I know it : 
And it shames me much : I acted impulsively : — 
The gorgeous spectacle, music and dancing. 
Made me romantic, — your flattering words. 
Did the rest. Can you forgive me ? 

Sir Edward. 

Freely ! — 
But you'll not be so cruel; you'll relent? 

Hermina. 

Every young girl's fancy, is often beyond 
Her own control. 

Sir Edward. 

I would not beg your love : 
It must come eager, and without constraint. 

Hermina. 
I think that you will have to forget me. 

Sir Edward. 

Forget you! O, never! As you stand there. 
Resplendent with a thousand natural charms ; 
And these magnified l)y the dread of losing; 
I dare not think of life without you! 



22 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Hermina. 

How poignantly your sorrow does grieve me, 
My faltering voice attests! (She loeeps) 
Sir Edward, you are very dear to me ; 
I love you — (lie starts forward) as a sister; 
And I must be true to your l)est interests : 
It is not well for you to think of me — 
Have faith in my words, trust me in this — 
We :nust part forever : it is hard I know ; 
But the worst is over, the rest is easier. 

Sir Edward. 

Hermina, your words are sincere and solemn: 
These promptings of your heart, interpreted, 
i'.y tongue's utterance; cannot be ignored: 
1 must meet calamity like a man should ; 
Give you up — not seek to coerce you : — - 
But listen, dear: Don't you think that 
The future might bring some hope? 

Hermina. 

No, never. 
O God! how it pains me to tell you this! 

Sir Edward. 

Soft there! you are on the verge of a swoon: 
What a coward I am to torture you so: — 
Worry no more; henceforth we are strangers — ■ 
As much so as thoug^h we had never met : 
You are blameless, I will emerge unharmed : 
Youth cannot long abide with melancholy. 
In time the monster can lie shaken off, 
And I will be — (falters) (juite well again. 

Hermina. 

Delighted to hear you talk so sensibly ! — 
Ah. there come Crystal, .\my, Geraldine, 
From hotel : with the l>oatman and musician. 
Let us join them at the quay. 

(Sir Edicard and Hermina cross bridge and 
join Crystal, Amy and Geraldine at quay) 

Geraldine. 

Must you leave so soon, dear? 

Hermina. 

Yes, Geraldine — 
We have overstayed now. 

Geraldine. 

Tiave you enjoyed 



The grand ball ? 



Hermina. 



Ever so much! .\nd depart. 
With grateful heart to your brother and you. 

Geraijjine. 

When Crystal said you were .going, I came here 
To see you all embark; and wish you joy. 
Upon your watery journey home. 



Qrystau 

Gala trip! 
Would that you were going along, Geraldine : — 
Lovely tortuous stream ! E.xcept that the banks, 
Are lined with flowers, instead of hou.ses, 
It is like the grand canal at Venice. 

Musician. 

The whole countryside is alive with beauty I 
Tlie poet, hits the scenery when he savs: 
Out in the lonely woods the jasmine burns 

Its fragrant lamps, anu tuma 
Into a royal court with green festoons. 
The banks of dark lagoons. 

Hermina. 
Now let us take our places in the boat. 

Sir Edward. 
Boatman and I will lend a helping hand. 
(The boat moves azvay) 

Geraldine and Sir Edvv.\rd. (fro)n quay) 

Good-bye! good-bye! 

Hermina, Crystal and Amy. (from boat) 

Good-bye ! good-bye ! 

(Musician in boat plays a serenade, 
exit Geraldine into hotel, Hermina 
remains standing. Sir Edzvard watches 
her out of sight) 



Sir Edward. 



Farewell ! — 



Hermin.\. 

Farewell! — {Boat disappears, Left) 

Sir Edward. 

Now has the sun of my soul forever set ; 
And I live henceforth in perpetual night ! 
How can I stave oflf madness ? I have it : 
(O, mischief! How swiftly thou dost enter. 
Into the minds of desperate men) : straight, 
Will I bring Lady Clara on the balcony, 
And propose to her. 

(Exit EduHird into hotel: Re-enter 
Albert, puffing. Right) 

Albert. 

Too late! there they go in the boat. — Pshaw, 
I did so want another chat with Amy! 
It was cute to lay on the grass and wait. 
For, as I surmised, they didn't stav long: 
But whv fall asleep and not wake up, 
I'ntil the boat with them in it had left: — 
A man has got to keep his eyes open. 
If he expects to catch a girl like tTiat. 
She is spirited, and bashfully mischievous; 
Ix)ves to be loved, yet hates to be conquered. 
How, O how, can I win her! (Exit Right) 
(The boat returns to quay, Hermina alights) 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



23 



Hermina. 

As I told you, I have to see Sir Edward : — 
Paddle on as far as yonder tree stump : 
When I am ready, I will wave my hand. 

{Boat disappears, Right) 

shame on me ! why did I return ? Because, 

1 must see and tell him that I lied. 
When I said that I did not love him, — 
But that a dark secret was the real cause. 
He said that his love had improved him : 
The divine influjence he awakes in me, 

Will never cease growing, either: — That's why 
I desire to retract those lying words. 
Which came much too easily to mv lips, 
Wlien I rejected him. How shall I proceed? 
I will get the hotel clerk to send him 
A message to meet me in the parlor. 
Soft ! there comes a pair out on balcony : 
Hah! it is Lady Clara, and — ^Sir Edward! 

(Enter Sir Edward and Lady Clara on balcony 
via right doonvay. Spying on them Lard Critc 
and Viscount draw aside the portieres of left 
doorii'ay, and remain slyly peering : 
Hermina has gotte^i in shadozv of bridge, and is 
seen manifesting despair during the "propo- 
saF' which foUoivs: Albert enters at right, but 
seeing the pair on balcony, he remains at 
7i'ings and peeps at them gleefully: he don't 
see Hermina) 

Lady Clara. 

You are a bad b<Dy, Sir Edward: I'll wager. 
That vou brought me out here on balcony, 
To propose to me. 

Sir Edward. 

You hit it right, dear. 

Music in ballroom resumed, the selection being 
Schumann's "Traumerei'' (Dreaming) 

Lady Gara Vere de Vere, will you do me 
The honor to become my wife? 

Lady Clara. 

Ha, ha, ha! 
You propose, without any raptures and sighs ; 
As if it were a mere business transaction. 

Sir Edward. 

It is that : for I cannot offer love, now : — 
But I hope to in the course of time. 



Lady Clara. 

Love ! 
A mere trifle — hardly worth considering. 
I like you ; but sought the Duke of Arden : 
The papers just announced his engagement. 
So, dear boy, I accept you! (Embrace) 

Albert, (aside) 

She loves the EHike of Arden ; the Colonel, 
Of our regiment : and he doats on her ; 
For he told me so : — -I will tell him 
What she said, (Exit Albert, Right) 

Sir Edward. 

Thanks ! many thanks ! 
This is to seal our betrothal. ( Kiss) 

Lady Clara. 

Now, let us go in and be congratulated. 

(Exit Clara into hotel. Sir Ed-zcard comes to 
front of balcony, arms outstretched) 

Sir Edward. 

Hermina! O Hermina! (Exit into hotel) 

(Hermina grief -stricken, stands rmth arms 
outstretched towards his vanishing form) 

Hermina. 

The orchestra is playing "dreaming" — and the 
Mournful strains are full of introspection : 
An aged unfortunate, recalling past joys: — 
And I too am dreaming, — but of yesterday! 

{She wai'es her liaiid for boat to come) 

1 am young, and have just begim to weave. 
The web of life : and now it seems that 
My weaving of late, is in vain : for what 
Possible beauty ; can this sad episode. 

Add to the picture? What right has this woe. 

To be in it at all ? I fear that when 

The tapestry of my fate is finished, 

It will be anything but a "cloth of gold!" 

{The boat returns. Right: lakes her on 
and disappears. Left; as Lord Cruz and 
Viscount come through portieres onto 
balcony and manifest joy: }fusic conti>yues) 



24 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



SCENE III. 



The Colonel's official Room, in the 

Red Hussars' barracks, at Camclot. The 
adornments of room and walls are military 
in character: A desk and some chairs, a door 
at right, a door al left, a broad archway at 
rear, thru which is got a glimpse of a 
corridor. 

Discovered the "Red llussars" regiment marching 
thru corridor, past rear archway ; an iUusion 
of numbers is attained by the soldiers return- 
ing unseen and re|)assing : Enter a Sentry, at 
left, who talks while iney are passing. 

Sentry. 

Since Colonel Arden, went to London town, 
To see Lord Tomnoddy on affairs of state; 
Lieutenant Colonel Viscount Cruz commands. 
He is a heartless, haughty, brainless fop ; 
Even if he is the son of a nobleman: — 
Luckily for him, the regiment was stationed, 
Here at Camelot ; a great summer resort ; 
For he can strut around and put on airs. 
Before the London nabobs gathered here. 
The "Red Hussars" to a man detest him: 
We will be glad when Colonel Arden's back :— 
What beside corruption, put this upstart, 
Aged twenty seven, as second in command, 
Of one of his Majesty's crack regiments? 

(Rcgi)ncnt having passed, exit Sentry thru 
archway into corridor, where he patrols: 
Enter i'iscotint in colonel's uniform. Left) 

■Viscount. 

It is time now, that father was here. 
That's a strange letter he sent me last week : 
I will glance over it again. (Reads it) 

"Send Hermina word that you have news of 
her mother, and to meet you at the barracks 
of the Red Hussars at 3 o'clock Thursday: 
keep her in a side room, until I have arrived 
and have had a private talk with you in the 
Colonel's official room." — 
Since the ball, (now several weeks past), 
My persistent devotion to Hermina, 
Has availed naught ! She pines away daily, 
For Sir Edward ; damn him ! 

(lintcr Lord Cruz and .A.i.k.xa.vdri.x, Right) 

\'lSCOUNT. . 

Ah, you are here at last. 

Lord Cruz. 



Tell me, has Hermina arrived ? 
Viscount. 

Eut she has promised to be here. 



Yes, my dear son. 



Not yet : 



Lord Cruz. 
Now I have a surjirisc in store for you : 

(Albert is seen an instant at archway) 
Allow me to introduce you to Alexandria ; 
The mother of Hermina. 

Viscount. 

Heavens father 1 
Have you lost your senses? 

Lord Cruz. 

Not at all Sir. 
Alexandria, this is my son. X'iscount Cruz: 
Whom you have often heard me speak of. 

(They bozv) 

Alexandri.\. 

At your father's earnest solicitation, 

I am going to that daughter of mine, 

To persuade the naught girl to wed you. 

VlSC»UNT. 

Ah, you are very kind ! I hope you can ; 
For I adore her! 

Alexandri.\. 

O, she shall be yours, 
I promise you. 

Viscount. 

It will be no easy task. 

Alexandria. 

Never fear! Lord Cruz has acquainted me 
With all the facts; and drilled me well 
In the lines I have to speak : Actor like 
I can say, "I know my part." 

Lord Cruz, (aside) 

She ought to: 
It took me days hard work to teach her. — 
Now Alexandria, 1 will conduct you 
To the ladies room, where you can have 
Tlie conveniences of toilette requisites. 

(Exeunt Ia)RD Cruz. Son & .Aj.exandria, left: 
Enter Albert, cat>tain's uniform, Archivay) 

Albert. 

When I heard "Alexandria" — I was stunned ! 
For that, Amy informed me, is the name 
Of Hermina's missing mother ;whose loss 
Is causing so much sorrow in The Swarrq^ : — - 
I wonder what in the world brings her here. 
Amy was in tears, the last time we met : 
"A woman can do nothing in such a case ; 
O, that I had a MAN to help me!" she said 
With a slv smile ; implying that I was none : 
(Sadly) I wonder if she really thought so? 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



25 



"Stir yourself, sir;'' says she demurely: 
"Here's your chance: I would give him all. 
Even myself, wlio brings my dear mistress, 
Happiness again.'' And here IS my chance ; 
This is the identical woman : and I can't 
Let her slip me, I nuist try to find out 
Where she lives. Here they come again ! 
I will hide in lavatory : the Viscount 
Don't know I have ever been to the Swamp : 
So that if discovered, he won't think 
I am listening, but washing my hands : — 
I don't like to play sneak ; but mebbe, 
The end will justify the means. 

(Albert <;ocs behind portieres near 

door at left, and keeps peepin;^) 

Re-enter Lord Cruz & X'iscouxt. Left. 

Viscount, (ealls) 

Halloo, Sentry! (Enter Sentry thru arehimy) 
Send Captain Albert to me, immediately. 

Sentry. 

He just came in here. Sir. 

VisaiuNT. 

The deuce he did ! 
Go to the waiting room; if a lady is there. 
Bring her in. when I ring: if not there. 
Let me know. (Sentry salutes, exit Right) 

Viscount. 

Well father, this beats all ! How in the world 
Did you find her? 

Lord Cruz. 

To answer that question. 
It is well to review the recent past. 
After the grand ball, most urgent afifairs. 
Drew me to London : — Having parted the lovers. 
It was up to you to get Hennina's money : 
You were to win her as soon as possible. 

Viscount. 

Why I went there many times ; courted her 
Most assiduously, and at last proposed : 
Only to get a polite but stern retusal. 

Lord Cruz. 

Partly on account of her mother's shame — 

Viscount. 

But more because of that skunk Sir Edward. — ■ 
Then came just what I had been expecting: 
Another appeal to me, more earnest even 
Than others she had made, to help her trace 
The whereabouts of her missing mother ; 
With a photograph enclosed : — ^brought by 
Crystal as messenger : who staterl that 
Hermina was too ill to come. 



Lord Cruz. 



A photograi)h! 



Viscount, (shca's it) 

Yes, here it is ; and it is a good likeness 
Of the lady who just left us, except that 
The face of the lady is not so refined. 

Lord Cruz. 

Well that is caused by her bad life lately. 
What did you do when this bombshell struck? 

Viscount. 

1 went to her ami said, that if she knew 
The truth, mebbe she wouldn't want her back: 
An imputation that she vehemently denied : 
Then I gently imparted your confession; 
(A confession she overheard in arbor). 
Promising to obtain her mother's address: 
And protesting undying love and devotion. 
Despite this disgrace, — I again proposed ; 
Was again refused ; and in despair wrote you, 
That the jig was up. 

Lord Cruz. 

Your note was laconic: 
It onlv consisted of the word "rejected:" 
jiut it was enough; 1 knew what it meant. 
Lady Clara was gone. Hermina seemed lost ; 
I miist have vast sums soon, or be known, 
A bankrupt and defaulter; and ipso facto, 
I^ose mv seat in the House of Lords ; — 
Seeking to distract cares I went nightly. 
Among the frail but fair women of town,^ 
And there to my amazement met Alexandria. 

Viscount. 

How in the world came she there? 

Lord Cruz. 

Naturally : — 

It was in her blood; and where that is 
The case, it is .stronger than family ties, 
Including the love of offspring. 

Viscount. 

What course. 

Do you intend pursuing? 

I^)RD Cruz. 

You are to restore. 
The missing mother, to the daughter's arms: 
Gratitude for this, and the mother's help. 
Might win the daughter's hand. 

Viscount. 

You say ?uiglu : — 
And well you may, for the scheme is euto|nan. 
And not likely to succeed. 

Lord Cruz. 

If it does not : 
We have another thing to fall back on. 

Viscount. 
What is that, I pray? 



26 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Lord Cruz. 

If the daughter dies; 
The mother inhcriti the property. 



Viscount. 



'What !- 



1 don't quite lUKlerstand you. 

Lord Cruz. 

I imagine, 
You have a shght suspicion, for your eyes 
Are as big as saucers. 
(Enter Alexanoria left: she hears -with 
amazement Viscount's next speech, and 
then decides to leave itnthout being- seen.) 

Viscount. 

I remember that 
The will leaves the whole income of estate, 
Which is one hundred thousand pounds yearly, 
To Hermina during her life ; — At her death, 
The whole estate, which is two million pounds, 
(iocs to her children outright : — If she die. 
Without children, it goes to her mother 
Outright :- — but what does all that amount to ; 
She is a young and healthy girl. 

(Exit Alexandria unseen, Left) 
Lt)RD Cruz. 

Something, 
Might happen to her: you will please observe 
That I use "might" again. 

Viscount. 

The devil, father ! 
I understand you now, perfectly. 

Lord Cruz. 

Luckily, 
He died too soon after his wife's flight. 
To make a new will, with her name out. 
Now let me tell the manner of our meeting — 
Seated in the sumptuous dining rooms, 
Of a bagnio ; full of misery over the 
Seeming impossibility of winning Hermina ; 
My eyes suddenly lit upon her mother, 
Sitting nearby. .-Xfter the shock was past, 
I said to myself, this harlot is heir 
To a vast fortune, upon a contingency, 
That her daughter dies without children ; 
(For to verify your statement, I too 
Had examined the court records.) 

Viscount. 
1 can imagine, the horrid suggestion. 
That came to you then : To remove the bar, 
Which stood twixt the woman and the money. 
And divide the s{x>ils. 

I>ORD Cruz. 
Hush ! mum's the word : 
Not a hint of this to her: (Points zmihin) 
It is to l>e the last desperate resort. 
If Hemiina remains obdurate, as now: 
(Having made her mother our accomplice, 
So that she can't fluke in paying us 
Half the money) : then good-bye Hermina. 



Viscount. 
But, she would never become an accomplice. 

Lord Cruz. 

Yes she would : — You are grossly deceived ; 

She is not what you take her to be : 

I hold the whip hand ; she's in my power. 

Viscount. 

Pardon my digression : resume the story. 

Lord Cruz. 

Well, I sat at the table and pondered ; 
And it became clear to me, that if she 
Was living as mother with Hermina, 
And was recognized as such by her ; 
That the ticklish question of IDENTITY, 
Would not arise, in case Hermina died : 
Enabling Alexandria to get the money, 
Without any dangerous court proceedings : — 
So, I discovered myself to her, and 
Persuaded her to come back, by saying, 
That you needed her pleading, in order 
To win her daughter. 

Viscount. 

And she was willing 
To come back and be respectable? 

Lord Cruz. 

Yes, 
For a while :— she refused me at first ; 
liut she needs money, and I bribed her. 
She expects to go back to the fast life. 
When Hermina becomes yours. 

Viscount. 

Becomes mine :- 
Perhaps it is best, not to wed — but kill her : 
To wed her, means that we get the income ; 
To kill her, means that we get one half 
The principal. 

Lord Cruz. 
A most commendable conclusion ! 
Now tliat you know all, let us go to her. 

(Exeunt, Left: Albert conies from lavatory) 

Albert. 

This is a nice pair of arch villains! 
The father is a bankrupt and defaulter; 
The son is a gay lothario. They said, 
Hermina is heiress to vast wealth ; which. 
If she dies childless, becomes her mother's: — 
They have, evidently by trick, parted 
.Sir Edward and Hermina, in order to get 
Her money by marriage with Viscount. 
Having failed in that plan ; the mother. 
Who was met by chance in a London Cafe, 
Is brought into the drama: Cruz and son. 
After she has guaranteed theiri one half, 
Will murder her daughter, so that she can 
Inherit the fortune. A fine plot! but. 
Will the mother become an accomplice, 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



27 



To the killing of her own child? Perhaps: — 
As she fled home, and is now in sin ; 
And he boasts of some power over her. — 
One thing is positive: I will at once 
Consult some friends, to see what is best 
To be done in the matter : Hermina's 
Life is in danger! (Albert starts to exit 

thru archzcay. but is seen by I'iseounf. 

Lord Cru" and Alexandria, u'ho enter, left) 

VlSCOUKT. 

Captain, what are you doing here? 

Albert. 

Nothing. 
Viscount. 
I had an errand for you ju,st now, sir; 
But was told that you were not on duty ; 
So I had to send another. 

Albert. 

Just after 
Regiment came back from the evolutions, 
I returned here to make report to you ; 
But on glancing in, found you engaged. 

Viscount. 
No more exjilanations. Do you know sir, 
That I am Colonel of the Red Hussars? 

Albert. 
I know that you are our "acting" colonel, 
During the absence of Colonel Arden. 

Viscount. 
Pugh ! Colonel Arden, indeed 1 Don't you know 
That the regiment is most fortunate. 
To have a handsome Colonel like I am: — 
Why, these gorgeous accoutrements of war, 
Sit on my perfect form as gracefully. 
As though I were Beau Brummell's self. 
Say, fool, am I not the better officer? 

Albert. 

Perhaps you are, — for ballroom exhibition, 
Or promenading up and down the streets ; 
But not for actual service. 

Viscount. 

Falsifier!— 
Now get back to duty. Even the presence 
Of the lady, shall not save you from this. 
(Strikes him in the face) 

Albert. 

If I don't resent that, I'd be eshamed 

To look HER in the face. 

(He strikes a boxing attitude, J'iscount 
follows suit, thev spar skillfully 
awhile, and he knocks Viscount down) 

Albert. 
Lady — I humbly apologize, in that 
I did offend your sight with this broil. 



Alexandria. 

Nay, rather must you accept my plaudits, 
For your skillful boxing. Ah, poor Viscount ! 

Lord Cruz. 

My son ! Let the brute be harshly disciplined, 

For assaulting a superior officer ! 

(Viscount rises draws pistol and fires 
in the air: Guards enter and sah(te) 

Viscount. 

Corporal, lock this man in tlie .guardroom, 
Till further notice: — Affront was flagrant; 
Penalty shall be severe. {To Albert) 

You will remain there long, I promise you ! 
(The soldiers surround Albert} 

Lord Cruz, (aside to J'isconut) 
Do you think he was listening? 

Viscount. 

No, no. — 
Why should he have been? he knows nobody 
At The Swamp:— If he heard by accident, 
He did not know who was referred to. 

Lord Cruz. 
It is better to be sure. 

Viscount. 

Oh, very well. 
(To retiring soldiers) I say, Corporal:— 
Let no one but yourself have access there; 
And if he talks to you, repeat it to me. 
Can I trust you? 

Corporal. 

On the honor of a soldier, 
Who holds obedience to orders, as sacred. 
(Exeunt soldiers with Albert, thru archway) 

Viscount. 
He would never have triumphed over me. 
But that my foot slipped. 

Lord Cruz. 

A country pumpkin. 
With the Marquis of Queensberry's science: — 
Where did he get it? 

Viscount. 

That comes from letting 
The men have boxing bouts in the barracks. — 
Now I will do that, whose doing was stayed. 
By the fracas with the cur, — Ring for Hermina. 

(Rings bell) 

Lord Cruz. 
I will quit you : for it would incense her. 
To see the man who took away her mother. 
If she ask how you effected restoration : 
You are good at fables, make up some lies. 

(Exit thru arch^vay) 

(Enter Hermina and Crystal, Right) 



2S 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Hermina. 
Oh, Viscount ! say, have you news of mother ! 

Viscount. 
Yes, Miss Ilcrmina. good news! 

Hermina. 

What is it? 
Viscount. 
Look, where she stands. 

Hermina. 

Where, — that woman there .'' 
Why she is not my mother. 

Alexandria. 

Dear Hermina ! — 
She answers not: my dausjhter disowns me: 

God ! thus do we suffer, who commit sin ! 

Hermina. (aside) 
Strange ! My heart does not respond to her ; 
But even a fechng of repugniance arises : — 
And yet, in spite of her (Hssolute look. 
It is mother: the face — the hair — the form. 
Are all hers. Unnatural cliild that I am ! 
Is this the way to rescue the erring? 
Love. — is the divine method of redemption : 

1 will fondle her: and endeavor henceforth, 
To redeem lier hy my devotion. Mother ! — 

{She runs to her and they embrace) 

Viscount, (aside) 
How lovely she is! Pale as a lily, now. 
The good, born in me, is about burnt out ; 
But she stirs the dying embers. Kill her? 
Her fragility makes it seem more horrid : — 
Yet this pallor of face, is a white banner. 
That proclaims .Sir Edward her conqueror: 
And I would sooner see her dead — than his ! 

Alexandria. 
My darling Hermina! Think, it is a year. 
We have been parted! Is it strange then. 
That we cling together as if forever. 
How 1 have longed for you: — I determined 
To come back home ; hut lacked resolution : 
Then came the noble Viscount to aid me : 
He it is to whom you must be grateful. 
Can you forgive mc? 

Hermina. 

Yes, yes, mother dear! 

Alexandria. 
How happy we were: and your lamented father, 
So loving and devoted: The sinful past, 
O, that it might be blotted out! (Weeps) 

Hermina. 
It shall be blotted out: This day it dies. 
From want of care : we'll bury it in silence. 
And over the grave sprinkle the pure flowers 
Of forgetfulness. 



■ Alexandria. 
There's a bargain made : 
That plan will ,suit me well : Let us seal 
The past's records, and begin life anew. 

Hermina. 
Now mother, I want you to meet a friend. 
(Hermina i^^oes and brings Crystal. 7c7!0 
standing aloof, has been a spectator) 
Crystal — this is my own darling mother: 
Of whom I have so often .spoken. (Greeting) 

Crystal. 
I have prayed nightly for your return ; 
And now you are back : O, I am so glad ! 

Alexandria. 

(Hotly) You have prayed! Who asked you to: 
That is — I beg pardon — but it seems odd. 

Hermina. 
Oh mother ! I am sure you didn't mean that. 
Crystal came to me by chance two months ago: 
And has been a mother to me ! 

Alexandria. 

Ungrateful girl! 
Had you forgotten me so quickly. — • 

(To Crystal) Woman, 
I won't have any rivals in my child's love : — 
I must have you all to myself. (Embraces her) 

Crystal. 

You are right. 
To remain with you under the circumstances, 
Would be intruding: so, I am going away. 

Hermina. 
Going away! — Where, Crystal? 

Crystal. 

To the Hoine, 
For indigent ladies : when I left there. 
They implored me to return some day, 
And be cured of my ailment. 

Alexandria. 

Your ailment: — 
What is it, troubles you? 

Cry.stal. 

"Suspended memory." 
On convalescing from a severe sickness, 
My past life was entirely obliterated. 

Alexandria. 
Ha, ha! a fortunate occurrence sometimes: 
Is it not, Hermina? 

Hermina. 

It may be fortunate. 
To be able to forget a bad life : but. 
It is a misfortune, not to be able 
To remember a good one. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



29 



Alexandria, (aside) 

The saucy minx! 

Crystal. 
Full of gratitude, to you and your daut^hter ; 
For the pleasure I have had at your home! 
I will now say, Good-bye ! to both of you. 

Alexandria. 
Good-bye ! and happy days ! 

{Hcnnina brinies Crystal a.sidc) 

Hermina. 
Your going- seems the worst sorrow of all : 
Now 1 begin to know what you are to me ! 
I ought not to say it, but mother's return 
lias shocked me: she is changed, and there 
Is that about her which I cannot fathom. 
You, are like what I hoped mother would be : 
You, are like what mother was : It shows clear. 
Now that we are to be parted. 

Crystal. 

Hermina dear ! 
My cup of earthly bliss would be complete. 
If heaven had given me such a daughter. 

Viscount. 

As you are going; I will see you so far 
As the street entrance. 

Crystal. 

You are very kind. 

Hermina. 
And I will go along too. 
(Exeunt Crystal, Hermina & Viscount, Ri^iiht) 

Alexandria. 

Crystal has been a mother to her, eh : 
.She was too dangerous to have around : 
.So I took that way to be rid of her. — 
Those words of the Viscount, that I heard 
Almost miraculously, fell like sweet music 
Hn my ears. He said that bv the will. 
Hermina gets the income during her life: 
r>ut that if she dies childless, the whole 
Gigantic estate of two million pounds. 
Goes to her mother: — Ha, ha, that's me! 
Onlv a life, between me and vast wealth: 
What a temptation to extinguish it. 
Lord Cruz is the only stumbling block: but 
A share of the spoils would keep him mum : 
I'or her monev is all he is scheming for. 
Prostitute and outcast though I be ; still 
Am T ambitious to reign queen of my kind : 
And riches will enable me to do so ! 
Soft ! they are returning. 

(Re-otter Hermina and Viscount, Ri^i^lit) 

\''lSCOUNT. 

T jjray you, pardon our absence. 



Alexandria. 

Certainly. 

Viscount. 

Aha ! Hermina has gone back there to weep : 
I will go to her and offer consolation : — 
Distress affects me so : I have a soft heart, 
Even though I am bold enough to face 
The cannon's mouth. {He :^ues back to Hermina) 

Alexaxdr!.\. (aside) 

This Viscount, is a cruel pompous coxcomb. 
On rising from fall, the brave man gave him. 
The conceited puinjiy, to show his authority. 
Summoned help, by a method only used 
In moments of great peril, — fired a pistol 
In the air. — Great heavens ! a pistol ! 
Let me think : — yes, and a way to use it : 
Which a cunning brain may make successful. 
Did fate send it? Or are things around us. 
Made either good or bad, just simply by 
The uses that we put them to. Desperate, 
Inileed, is the chance : but another one 
.Mav not present itself. They are coming 
This way : Now to jnil it in execution. 
{Hcnnina and riscuiint join Alexandria. Front) 

Hermina. 

Now, dear mother, all that remains for us. 
Is to go home. 

Alexandria. 

Why, my dear, how gloomily 
You talk of such an opoch making event : 
The return home of a reunited pair : — 
You are sad, Hermina. 

Hermina. 

I have liecn mc-rrier. 

Alexandrlx. 
You need something to cheer you up. .^h, ha! 
I have it ! I will be amusement purveyor. 
And provide for your immediate delectation. 
By reproducing dramatically an incident. 
Which occurred jusl before you arrived. 

Hermina. 

Proceed, — I am curious. 

Alexandria. 

Well, the \'iscount. 
The bold Viscount, (how he deserves that name"). 
Caught a man loafing, and took him to task: 
The offender retorted in kind ; when lo. 
The Viscount struck him : the man fought back : 
And it developed into a l)it of fisticuffs: — 
The Viscount was knocked down — 

Viscount. 

I deny it ! 
Alexandria. 
r>r slipped down : and rising to his feet, 
.Signaled a .guard, and had culprit prisoned. 
How think you, he gave sia^ial? 



30 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Hermina. Viscount. 

I can't guess. Now Madam, as you have finished ; 

Alexandria. ^Vill you kindly return my revolver? 

Alexandria. 

Certainly, — with many apologies to you 
For having used it. 

{She starts to hand pistol to Viscount, hut li'hen 
it gets on a line with Hcrmina's breast, it goes 
off, and Hermina falls.) 

Viscount. 

Great heavens ! you have shot her ! 

Alexandria. 

The weapon went off of its own accord ! 
{They drop down beside Hermina) 

Alexandria. 

My darling! O, my darling! 

Viscount. 

I must fetch the surgeon! {Exit J'iscount) 

Curtain. 



WTiy he took a revolver from his belt, 
And fired it in the air, thus. 

{Grabs Viscounfs pistol, fires it in air) 

Hermina. 

Murder !- 

Alexandria. 

Ha! Ha! Ha! {Pistol still held extended) 

Hermina. 
Oh my, how you frightened me! 

Alexandria. 

Did I ? — I am so sorry ! You see my brother, 
Taught me its use, when I was a girl : 
What we once learn is never entirely forgot: 
So, I could not resist the temptation, 
To cap the scene with what players call — 
A climax. 



SCENE IV. 



A Summer Parlor in the Mansion at "The 
Sivamp." (the same as Scene I) The rear wall 
is entirely covered with 6 tapestries — the two 
in the centre when draivn apart disclose a sup- 
posed mirror but in reality a moving-picture 
screen — the two at right and the two at left 
7vhen d\rawn apart disclose iron-grating work 
instead of wall through ivhich can be seen a 
narrozv stream running past the house with 
some yachts and shallops sailing by — 
The tapestries over mirror arc undrazvn and it 
is not risible, but the tapestries over iron-grating 
zvork cure drawn, and through them the stream 
can be seen. A sofa, a stand, some chairs : at one 
side, a spinning wheel, a box of zvool. a stand- 
rack of yarns, and a standing loom tvith the 
7varp on it but only little of the zveft. A door 
at R. 2. E., a casement at left-front opening on 
the highway. 

{Discovered,) Amy. 

Amy. 

When these men, come into us women's lives, 
Our troubles begin! Now there's my Albert: 
When he is with me, I am very happy ; 
liut I used to be contented always. 
What has become of the scamp, I wonder? 
How dare he stay away so long! {Stamps foot) 
When Sir Edward came into Hermina's life ; 
A.11 was joy at first, but now it's sorrow : — 
He is to wed Lady Clara at nine to-night. 
\t the Hotel Buckingham : and my mistress, 
Ts slowly but surely pining away — for him : 



Not for the mother, for she has returned ; 
Not for the wound, for it is healing fast : 
(Some great mystery is back of her grief). 
Poor dear ! when she was brought in by the 
Ambulance doctors, blood-stained and pale. 
How sad I was; until the doctor said there 
Was no danger : that it was a flesh wound. 
And the bullet had gone out : — and yesterday 
He said that although only three weeks old 
It was almost healed. 

{Enter Alexandria, R. 2. E., a bottle and 
glass in her hand, which she puts on a stand). 

Alexandria. 
What are you doing here. Amy? 

Amy. 

Arranging things: 
Hermina is coming down. 

Alexandria. 

I know that she is ; 
But not till I ring for her. 

Amy. 

Well, all's ready. 

Alexandria. 

Then you can leave me. {Exit Amy, R. 2. E.) 
(Alexandria sits down at stand and pours 
out and drinks zvine during next speech). 

Hermina's recovery is now assured : 

And I would rejoice in it, were it not 

For the money, for she is a dear creature. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



31 



That bold stroke for fortune, at barracks, 
Was well conceived, but badly executed. 
My hand had forgot its cunning ; the shot 
Went a little wide of her heart, wounding 
The soft flesh of the side. I felt like 
Tampering with the wound ; but it might have 
Aroused suspicion : — No, my next attempt. 
Must be of an entirely different kind. — 
Lord Cruz and Viscount, are coming soon : 
On very serious business, (they wrote me) : 
I wonder what it is? I will watch for them. 
At the front door. (Exit, R. 2. E.) 

(Enter Lord Cruz and Viscount, left-front) 

Lord Cruz. 
What a pity, that the accidental wound. 
Inflicted on Hermina by Alexandria's 
Clumsy handling of pistol, was not mortal. 

Viscount. 
It would have saved us a heap of trouble. 

Lord Cruz. 
Alexandria is tardy : she promised to be 
On the lookout for us. 

Viscount. 

Hist ! hide yourself, 
Some one comes : — never mind, it is she. 

(Re-enter Ale.xandri.\, R. 2. E.) 

Alex.-kndria. 
Ah, you are here ! 

Viscount. 
We entered by the casement. 

Lord Cruz. 
Is the coast clear? 

Alexandria. 
Yes, she's in her room. 

Lord Cruz. 
To make assurance, surer; lock the door. 

(She does) 
Good ! Now let's begin business at once ; 
And, be brief : our time is far too short. 
For a tedious tale. This paper, Alexandria ; 
Will you sign it? 

Alexandria. 
A paper ! What does it mean ? 

Lord Cruz. 
Listen, (reads) "For and in consideration of various 
sums of money, an enormous amount in the aggre- 
gate, advanced to me by Lord Cruz, and of divers 
valuable services rendered to me by him, and also 
the payment of one dollar to me by him to bind this 
agreement, I hereby agree to give him one half of 
all the property, both real and personal, that I have 
inherited from my deceased husband, Sir Richard 
Drake, by his last will and testament ; and I hereby 
authorize and order the Trustee of the estate to pay 



over this one half of the whole to Lord Cruz direct, 
and the other one half to myself. All evidences of 
debt, that Lord Cruz held against me, have been 
merged in this assignment and destroyed." 

Alexandria. 

What rigmarole is this ? I never borrowed 
From you : and as for destroying receipts ; 
You haci none to destroy. 

Viscount. 

You don't apprehend : — 
That clause is inserted, in order to prevent 
The trustee suspecting that there has been 
Foul play. 

Alexandria. 
Foul play ! What do you mean sir ? 

Viscount. 
Why, that a life must be taken before 
You can inherit the property. 

Ale.xandria. 

Hermina's? 

Lord Cruz. 

Yes ; and that life is to be quenched to-night. 

As you see, the date of this instrument. 

Is five days ahead of the present time : 

So the trustee will not suspect that it 

Was obtained because of contemplated crime. 

Alexandria. 

Lord Cruz, you mistake me ; I love the girl : 
It must be a large sum indeed that would 
Tempt me even to chastise her. 

Viscount. 

It is more 
Than a large sum : it is a Queen's dowry. 

Alexandria. 
Indeed ! — But your demands are excessive : 
You ask a half ; why not make it a quarter? 

Lord Cruz. 

Avarice, always holds out for better terms ; 
But it is useless here : Do you refuse ? 

Alexandria. 

Well, I accept. But what use is the paper : 
The trustee must pay me all the money ; 
Then I give you half : Do you think I would 
Cheat you? can't you trust me? 

Lord Cruz. 

Trust you, — no! 
Let us waste no more words : the project ends. 
Viscount is now to propose to Hermina : 
If she refuses him, we quit the job: 
I will disclose your secret ; your ejection 
From these premises immediately follows. 



32 



THF. LADY OF THF. SWAMP 



Alexandria. 
You and I can't afford to quarrel ; the stakes 
Are too large : I will sign the agreement. 

Lord Cruz. 
Now, you talk sensibly. A notary public, 
Waits in the lodge by the roadside : he is 
To witness the signing and the sealing. 

Viscount. 
How^ about my '"proi^sal" to Ilermina? 

Lord Cruz. 
You can do that, now. 

Alexandria. 

Why do it at all ? 

Viscount. 
Oh, to ease our consciences, we are going 
To give her a chance for life. 

Alexandria. 

If she refuse? 

Lord Cruz. 
Then, Vi.scount will join us, and you return: 
Letting us know when we may safely follow: 
Here, we will quickly formulate a plan 
Of action; (yet but vague in our minds). 

Viscount. 
Now, I will unlock the door. 

Alexandria. 

And 1 will 
Ring for her. (They do) 
Viscount, good luck to your wooing: ha. ha ! 
(Exeunt Lord Cruz and .Alexandria, Left-front) 

Viscount. 
I'^ather says, love at its best is nothing 
I'ut a distemper, and when so unbridled 
As mine has always been — it is a disease. 
"Go to her," says he hotly, '"be refused again ; 
And have your passion turned to hatred : 
That is the quickest way to cure you." 

{Enter Hermina, lookliv^ fragile, R. 2. E.) 

Hermina. 
How do you do. Viscount ! 

Viscount. 

Ah, Miss Hermina ! 

Hermina. 

Where's mother? 

Viscount. 
She just went out, by casement. 

Hermina. 
Gone for a short walk, I presume. 

Viscount. 

Perhaps. — 
You got my letter? 



Hermina. 

Yesterday, — and wondered 
At its gravity. 

Viscount. 

Ha, ha! w-hen I stated 
That it was a case of life or death ? 

Hermina. 

Yes. 
Viscount. 
You didn't know what I meant? 

Hermina. 

I had no idea. 

Viscount. 
Why, that I was going to propose again ; 
And a life might hang upon your answer. 

Hermina. 
Your life! It can't be so serious as that. 

Viscount. 
I didn't say mine. 

Hermina. 
Whose then? 

Viscount. 

Yours, Hermina. 

Hermina. 
\\oul(l \ou be coward enough to take it ? 

Viscount. 
I, — that is — no, no! I used that scarecrow 
To frighten you ; thinking it would help me : 
But I see it had the opposite effect. 
Dear Hermina, I am mad to possess you! 
I shan't take your refusals seriously ; 
I am going to give you another chance : — 
Think — an alliance with me is coveted. 
By the richest and fairest of your sex: 
"N'ou cannot but be susceptible to it. 

Hkrmtna. 
While I am not insensiljle, to the honor. 
You offer me : 1 am forced to decline it : 
And sincerely regretful of inflicting pain. 
Will mention the least irritating reason 
For my refusal : which i.s — I cannot marry. 

Viscount. 
You have put me oft' heretofore, by saying. 
You could not marry : now, I ask you. why ? 

Hermina. 
'Tis a secret : but as I owe you gratitude 
For my mother's return, you shall hear it : 
I promised my father, never to marry, 
Fxcept under certain conditions : which 
-Appear impossible of fulfillment. 

Viscount. 

What are they ? 
Hermina. 
More, I dare not tell you. 

Viscount. 

I demand an answer. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



35 



Hermina. 
The subject is sacred : and telling avails not, 
For though it pains me, I nuist say that 
I would not wed you, were there no bar. 

Viscount. 

Why? 

Hermina. 
Because I could not return your devotion. 

Viscount. 
Damn it all ! you love that cur, Sir Edward, 
Don't you ? 

Hermina. 
Besides its undignified diction. 
Your ouestion is impertinent; and I refuse 
To answer. 

Viscount. 
Ha, ha ! you were too punctilious : 
If you had it to do over again, you would 
Marry him despite your mother's disgrace : — 
You are pining away for him ; and that is 
The reason you refuse me. Keep pining. 
In one hour he will be Lady Clara's : 
But he loves you, and you love him ; and 
I hate you both. You shall find out now. 
"What it means to snub Viscount Cruz ! 

{Exit, Left-front) 

Hermina. 

Threatening words ! cruel words ! Yet true withal, 
For what skillful pleading lawyer, could have 
Summed up so forcibly, and with such brevity. 
The complex sorrows of my case. (Takes loom) 
I have been so busy weaving the web 
Of my own life, since the day Sir Edward 
Came in it. that spinning wheel and loom 
Have been neglected. Yet, although not done 
On a canvas, I have still been weaving 
Just the same : for weaving is nothing but 
i'Vnother name for toiling: — and everyone 
Must toil ; toil constantly with joy and tears 
For something: for daily bread — for other,s — 
For happiness — for heaven. (Puts down loom) 
Ever since the ball, I have been alternating 
Between two courses : either to go to him. 
And make a frank confession of the truth ; 
( )r else to keep silence : — The situation. 
Arising solely from mv lack of sincerity. 
Is so nicely delicate, that an indiscretion. 
Afay cause nie endless regret. — .-Xnd mother, — 
Instead of helping, adds to my distress : — 
To find that one whom we love, has I)ccome 
Degraded, is about the saddest thing in life! 
O, that I had dear Crystal, now (She ivecps) 
( Re-enter Alexandria, Left-front > 

Alexandria. 
What, my dear, in tears? Come, dry your eyes. 
.Some day you may possess that Sir Edward : 
Whona I have heard you speak so warmly oT : — 
Anyhow, you have sent the Viscount packing: 



And I am pleased. O, my nerves! (Drinks wine) 
I would never have let you marry him : 
I have my reasons for it. (Aside) Reasons, 
Amply sufficient, — there was money at stake. 

Hermina. 
How did you know it ? 

Alexandria. 

We met just outside ; 
And he was in a fury : — really, my dear. 
He upsets my nerves ; I need more stimulant. 

(Drinks zvine again) 

Hermina. 
That is twice, you have drank since entering: — 
Oh, why did you contract the habit! You were 
Always temperate. 

Alexandria, 

But I have grown wiser now : — ■ 
Why, that teetotaler, the good St. Paul ; says, 
Take a little wine for the stomach's sake. 

Hermina. 
For the stomach's sake, perhaps ; when one can 
Indulge in it moderately : but its effects. 
Are most distressing on you. 

Alexandria. 

Why, dear; (hie!) 
I never get intoxicated, or lose my head. 
No matter how much I drink : I am always able 
(hie!) to attend to business, and to protect 
Mv own interests too. — women of our kind. 
Are compelled to learn to do that: (hie!) 

Hermina. 
Dear mother! (Emhraee) why don't you reform? 
Why don't you be like you used to be ? 

Alexandria. 
My dear! (hie!) you ought to love me more. 
Now that I am become a new Magdalen; (hie!) 
Remember my namesake, Mary Magdalene ; 
How she was loverl. for her wickedness ! 

Hermina. 
You misinterpret: she was lost; might be saveil ; 
And love can do all things : — ah yes, I see 
Mv duty clearer : your faults must make me 
Love you more! (Enibraee) 

Alexandria. 

Now Hermina dear. 
Go to vour own room; you (hie!) need rest: 
The rejection of \'iscount must have taxed 
Your nerves. 

Hermina. 
But I cannot go and leave you 
And the bottle alone together. 

Alexandria. 

Ha, ha! tliie!) 
Then take it with you. 



THE LADY OP THK SWAMP 



Hermina. 
Very well. 
(Exit Hermina, laughing, R. 2. E.) 

Alexandria. 

Now I will give the signal, which they are, 

Impatiently no doubt, awaiting. 

(She 7vares her hand out of left-front and 
Lord Cruz and Viscount soon enter) 

Lord Cruz. 
Has she gone to her room? 

Alexandria. 
Yes. 

Viscount. 

Where is it? 
Alexandria. 
Risjht (hie!) over this one; go out this door, 
Then up one flight, and turn (hie!) to left. 

Lord Cruz. 
Damn it ! you have been drinking. 

Alexandria. 

Only a drop. 
Viscount. 
Is there a window opening on the water? 

Alexandria. 
Yes, two. (hie!) (Last hiceup is milder, she 
smothers them henceforth by contortions) 

Lord Cruz. 

Good ! — Now listen to our plan : — 
I am to go up and throw her in the water : 
Then Viscount and I will go to wedding 
Of Sir Edward and Lady Clara, at Camelot; 
Our horses are hitched in a grove nearby. 

Alexandria. 
Had you not best ransack the house, to make 
It appear the work of a burglar? 

Lord Cauz. 

Exactly ! 
Viscount. 
If we are suspected, we can prove an alibi : 
We are presumed to be now in an apartment 
In Hotel Buckingham ; where we registered 
Before coming here: it will be easy work 
To slip back in our rooms there, unseen. 

Alexandria. 
An alibi! the very thing: I myself 
Must be able to set up an alibi : — 
I will ring for Amy, and we will go walking : 
When Amy and I leave, Hermina is unharmed ; 
When we get back, we learn of catastrophe : 
Amy's testimony will clear me. 

Lord Cruz. 

Happy thought ! 
For we propose to effect that very thing ; 
And you have aptly pointed out a way. 



Viscount. 

Besides Amy, there is — 

Alexandria. 

Only the wagoner; 
Whose room is in another wing of house : 
And the boatman : who lives in boathouse : 
Which is easy of access from Hermina's room. 

Lord Cruz. 

Hah ! I must take care not to alarm boatman. — 
No one knows of my presence here to-night : 
And they are equally unaware of Viscount's ; 
Hermina excepted : and when she is dead. 
That knowledge is mute. 

Viscount. 

Bravo ! I think that 
We have provided for all emergencies. 

Lord Cruz. 

Then, 
Let us put the scheme in quick operation : — 
Viscount, you can go and stay with horses ; 
I will hide behind the tapestries at rear ; 
And you Alexandria, will ring for Amy. 

Alexandria. 

Then take your respective places, and I 

Will do so. 

(Exit Viscount left-front; Lord Cruz hides 

behind tapestries of screen-glass, then Alexandria 

strikes a bell, and Amy enters) 

Alexandria. 

Amy, go and see if Hermina needs anything: 
If she does not, we will take a short stroll. 

Amy. 

I just came from her, and she told me not 
To return to-night. 

Alexandria. 

Then come along with me. 
(Exeunt left-front; Lord Cruz comes forth) 

Lord Cruz. 

Now to my task! — If prying eyes, seek to 
Scan my features ; here are the raven brows, 
Shall speak for me. (Puts on a mask) 

I wonder how it feels, 
To kill a human being? To ask that question, 
Is futile as to ask, "how we are constituted 
In the future life :" for, it cannot ever be 
Comprehended but must be experienced. 
Her room is the one over this, she said : 
Only one flight up, yet a frightful climb; 
For horror has turned my heart to lead. 
And has manacled my feet. (Exit, R. 2. E.) 
(No2v, comes a flash of lightning, a clap 

of thunder, and a crash of broken glass; 

ending a thunderstorm, heard for a minute) 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



35 



Lord Cruz. {Re-enters) 

Great God ! what's that ? — The floor back there 
Is strewn with broken glass : that thunderbolt 
Must have struck the mirror : — I will look. 

(He uncovers the screen-glass) 

Yes, the huge looking-glass is shivered 
Into a thousand fragments : and a big hole 
Clean through the centre, — the very spot 
Where I was standing. (Staggers to a seat) 

( The screen-glass is made to appear broken, 
by having moving-picture machine in zvings, 
thro2Z' a "cracked mirror picture" on it; and 
some glass is thro-ivn on floor, from flies) 

Why, it looks like the Almighty's doings : 
A miraculous saving of my wicked life, 
To give me still another chance to repent. 

(A long pause and then he starts up) Ha, ha! 
I am growing imbecile. I must have money : 
It is either the money or imprisonment: — 
And even though I needed it not, I would 
Be sorely tempted to do a killing, to get 
The half of two million pounds! {Exit R. 2. E.) 

{A boat drazi's up to jroi-j^ra/zHq', in rear: 
the boatman shoves aside iron-grating, and 
Hermina steps out of boat onto stage) 



Hermina. 

{looking around) That's provoking; Mother, 
Is no where in sight. Hah ! what is this ! 
That stroke of lightning, struck the mirror ! 
"Tis almost too amazing for belief. O, how 
It frightened me : but tlie awful concussion 
Musrt have cleared my brain : — else why did 
I arise, involuntarily it seemed, determined 
To go and see Sir I-'dward at Camelot, 
Before it was too late, and say, — say what? 
Well, good speech comes to those who need it. 
I can't wait longer for mother : no matter — 
Not knowing of my absence, she won't worry. 

{Enters boat, boatman shuts grating, boat moves) 

Lord Cruz {re-enters) 
Nowhere to be found ! What legerdemain 
Is here ? what the devil has become of her ? 
Why, there she is in a boat ! with a man too ; 
And the prow pointed towards Camelot : — 
Mavbe she is going to marriage ceremony : — 

( Looks at -cvatch) 
Whew ! it only lacks about half an hour, 
Of the time set for it ; I may be late. 
Damn it ! she has given us the slip to-night : 
But we'll surely get her some other time. 
Now to join Viscount, for a horseback ride 
To the Hotel Buckingham! (Exit, left front) 



SCENE V. 



The Hotel Buckingham at Camelot. (the same 
as Scene 11 ) The front of stage is set as a lawn, 
adorned with flozvers and statuary, a vine-clad 
arbor at left near zving, a rustic seat at centre : 
back of this lazvn. there is a narrozv stream of 
zvater flozving by from right to left, in the 
centre of zvhich is an elez'ated narrozv bridge : 
on the other side of stream there is another 
lazvn, zvhich leads up to hotel, the front of 
zvhich is seen in background: hotel entrance at 
right, at left in second-story are large open 
windozvs of ballroom, ( this ballroom has been 
converted, for the nonce, into a Chapel), at 
centre in second-story is a balcony : the spectacle 
in chapel should be made visible to audience, 
as far as practicable, to correspond zvith speech- 
es of players on stage, zvhen referriftg to zvhat 
they see in the chapel : the hotel and grounds are 
illuminated. The "speaking" in this scene is 
mostly done on this "lazvn in front of stage" 
and it is entered from Right; from Left: and 
from Rear z'ia bridge. 

{Enter Crystal and Geraldine, Right) 

Crystal. 
Geraldine, it was surely kind of you 
To bring me to the wedding. 



Geraldine. 

Why, Sir Edward 
Always liked you ! and I think you liked him. 

Crystal. 
He was a favorite of mine ! And to say truth, 
I had hoped that he would wed dear Hermina. 

Ger.-vldine. 
Have you seen her lately ? 

Crystal. 

She often comes 
To see me at the "Ladies Home." Dear girl! 
Deep down in my heart it seems as though 
She were my own child. 

Geraldine. 

You were supiilanted. 
You say, by her own mother, Alexandria? 

Crystal. 
Yes — about a month ago. 

Geraldine. 

I am amazed ! 
Sir Edward and myself always thought that 
Hemiina was an orphan. 

Now, dear Crystal, 
Let us cross bridge and go in. {They do) 
{Enter Albert and Colonel Arden, Right.} 



36 



THK LADY OF THK SWAM I' 



Albert. 

Ah, Colonel Arden, we are come in time ; 
In spite of that unavoidable and vexatious 
Delay : for through open windows of hotel, 
One can see an air of hushed expectancy. 

Arden. 

Let us pause here an instant ; for Albert, 
I would much sooner lose one of my legs. 
Than witness Clara's marriage! 

Albert. 

No wonder, — 
When one considers your feelings towards her. 

Arden. 
Yet I might have got her, by the asking. 

Albert. 

I repeat, that, is what I heard her say 
On the hotel balcony. 

Arden. 

You said that she 
Avowed to Sir Edward, a fondness for me, — 
When prudence must have advised, silence : 
She is a treasure, and I have lost her! 

Albert. 
It is awful sad! 

Arden. 

W^ere you ever in love ? 

Albert. 
Y-ye-yes : I am now ! ! 

Arden. 

Well don't be a coward. 
Like me. and lose your girl, because you are 
Afraid of her: — he BOLD, Albert, — will you? 



Y-ye-yes, sir. 



Albert. 



Arden. 



My hasty trip from London, 
To see Clara wed at the Buckingham here; 
While a sad duty, may yet result in good. 

.\li!icrt. - 

It has already : for stopping at barracks. 

You released me from prison : — for which act, 

I reiterate my thanks ! 

Arden. 

Why shouldn't I ? 
The Viscount had no right to imprison you : 
And he shall be well disciplined for it. 

Albert. 

And by releasing me, you learned of plot. 
Against the life of Herinina. 



Arden. 

Exactly so, — 
That is what I had in mind when I spoke. 
Early to-morrow, my boy, we'll set about, 
Surrounding that maiden with safeguards; 
"Gainst murderous intents of Cruz and son. 

Albert. 
I hope it will not be too late. 

Arden. 

No fear, — 
Her lodge-keeper told us that she was well ; — 
While I regret, that our time was so short 
As to preclude action to night ; I am glad 
That we rode over there on the way here. 
And assured ourselves of her safety. 

Albert. 
Blessed tidings ! O, the agony I endured. 
During three long weeks of imprisonment, 
On account of my inability to warn her : — 
My food was handed in; and a deaf ear 
Turned to my wild entreaties. 

Arden. 

Poor fellow ! — 
Now, let us cross the bridge, leisurely. 
And enter hotel. {Exeunt into hotel) 

{Enter Geraldine, on hotel balcony.) 

Geraldine. 
Alas ! I had hoped that brother Sir Edward, 
Would marry sweet Hermina ; — but in a trice 
He will be another's — the Lady Clara's. 
The ballroom, is changed into a Chapel, and 
The bridal-scene, within, is indescribable ! 
It reminds one of the poetry, that says ; 
"There was a sound of revelry by night. 
And Belgium's capital had gather'd then 
Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright 
The lights shone o'er fair women and brave men ; 
A thousand hearts beat happily ; and when 
Music arose with its harmonious swell. 
Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again, 
And all went merry as a marriage-bell I" 
Marriage bell ? What joy there is in that word! 
For us girls all strive to reach wedlock's goal. 
I have not met my fate as yet. Heigh-ho, 
W'ho knows, perhaps dame fortune reserves me, 
For a life of devoted charitable deeds. 

{Music comes from open ■windo'vs of Chapel') 
There goes the wedding march ; the signal 
For the bride and groom to take their places; 
I must hasten in! {Exit into hotel) 

{Enter in boat Hermina and boatman, left: 
they land at quay and both get out) 

Hermina. 
Now, please go for a walk, and don't return 
Until I signal you. {Exit boatman, left) 

O. my heart misgives me ! for the scene inside 
The hotel Buckingham, so far as visible 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



7,7 



Through the open windows, all seems to show 
That the marriage ceremony is proceeding! 
If this be so, it would be rankest folly , 

To attempt to see him. I must make sure, — 
The bridge, here, may afford a better view ; 
I will try it. {Goes on bridge) 

Sorry sit^ht I there stand the bride and groom. 
In front of the officiating clergyman : 
Lady Clara and Sir Edward are being wed : — 
Too late ! too late ! ( Crosses bridge, goes to arbor, 
and as she enters, says) 
In here, I can weep unseen ! 

(Sir Edward and Lady Clara, meet Colonel 
Arden, as the three come from hotel.) 

Sir Edward. 
Whither away. Colonel ? 

Arden. 

Nowhere in particular. 
Lady Clara. 
Then come with us to yonder lawn. 

Arden. 

With pleasure ! 
(They cross bridge) 
Sir Edward. 
You see sir, after the marriage ceremony, 
Was (at the solicitation of Lady Clara) 
Postponed for a while, the Archbishop said. 
That instead of spending the short interim. 
In the vestry, we come out under the stars : — 
And he is soon to join us. 

Arden. 

A wise dominie. 
Lady Clara. 
I was almost a bride, Colonel. 
Arden. 

But not quite. — 
Upon my soul ! Lady Clara, you are a wonder : 
You dominate everyone ; even the Archbishop. 
That marries you ; who had to postpone wedding, 
At your command. 

Lady Clara. 

Why, I saw that Viscount Cruz, 
Had not arrived : Viscount was one of my beaux ; 
And though they are legion, and my heart small ; 
I still find a spot for each one of them. 

Arden. 

Good ! 
Then my image is enshrined there. 

Lady Clara. 

Colonel, — 
You reigned supreme : until you forsook me 
For another! 

Arden. 
What ever made you think that ! 
Lady Clara. 
Two papers, announced your engagement. 



Arden. 

They did? 
Well, I cannot imagine who could have been 
Their informant: — anyway, the information 
Was utterly untrue. 

Lady Clara. 
Then, you are Not engaged ? 

Arden. 
How could I be, if not bethrothed to you. 

Lady Clara. 
O, woe! {Weeps) My love for you has been 
The one sweet redeeming feature of my life ! 
Proud, vain and heartless, have I been ever ; 
Frivolous, shallow, mercenary,— and a flirt : 
My love for you, was the only ray of light, 
Amidst general gloom : and now you are. 
Through a newspaper canard, lost forever! 
{Sits dozi'i! and abandons herself to grief) 

Sir Edward. 
Lady Clara, don't give in to despondency ! 
There is a way out of the sad labyrinth. 

Lady Clara. 
O, what is it ! 

Sir Edward. 

I love the sweet Hermina ! 
And am glad to retire in favor of Colonel. 

Arden. 
You are very magnanimous ! 

Sir Edward. 

A misconception. 
Led you to accept my offer. 

Lady Clara. 

Alas, yes! 
Sir Edward. 
No one. would hold such bargain, binding. 

Lady Clara. 
Then Colonel I am yours ! 

Arden. 

Yes mine forever ! 
{They Embrace) 
Lady Clara. 
The guests, seeing a change of the bridegroom; 
Will be shocked, and set to gossiping too. 

Arden. 
Who, is there so eloquent and so able, 
As to speak new truth, and make it palatable. 

Sir Edward. 
The .'\rchbishop : — and lo, here he comes. 

(.'\RcnnisHOP comes from hotel, crosses bridge) 

Archbishop. 
Another greeting to you all ! 



38 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Sir Edward. 

Dear Arclibishop ; 
Being in a quandary, we need your advice. 

Archbishop. 
To be of service, is part of our profession. 

Sir Edward. 

Having been refused by tbe girl 1 love, 
In desperation, 1 proposed to Lady Clara ; 
Who, in accepting, very frankly avowed 
That she loved Colonel Arden ; but had seen 
His engagement, announced in the papers. 
This was false ; and on his denial of it, 
Their mutual attachment became so evident, 
That I helped to reunite the pair : glad 
To escape from my mad act, so pleasantly. 
Now, the question is ; shall their nuptials, 
Be celebrated to-night, or be postponed 
To some future time? 

Archbishop. 

A remarkable situation ! 
Savoring more of romance than reality. 
Let me think, — the story you have told me, 
I can repeat to the guests : as for banns. 
My special license will dispense with them : — 
So, it is possible to have wedding now. 
In order not to disappoint the bridal guests, 
T think it wise to do so. 

Lady Clara. 

O, Reverend sir, 
You are so gracious ! In your interpretation 
Of the Scriptures, no doubt, you find a way 
For every one to enter paradise. 

Arden. 

Egad, 
That's true, my dear ! 

Lady Ci.ara. 

Come Parson ; splice me 
To this gallant soldier, now. I would wait 
For the Viscount longer, but do not believe 
He is coming. 

Archbishop. 
Let it be as you wish. Follow. 
(Archbishop, Arden, and Clara, cross bridge 
and enter hotel: Hermina comes out of arbor) 

Sir Edward. 
Now I am freed from the matrimonial bonds, 
I took on myself in a moment of madness ; 
But Hermina is as far oflF as ever! (Sees her) 
Hermina! — I thought you were not coming: 
Geraldine said so. 

Hermina. 
Remorse drove me here! 
O, how I have suffered since the ball ; 
\\'hen. after lying to you, on returning 
To unsay it, I saw your proposal to Clara. 



Sir Edward. 



Ah, vou saw that ! 



Hermina. 



My duplicity, perhaps, 
Was driving you into a life alliance. 
Which might prove loveless. The truth spoken, 
Would have saved you : to speak it after 
The harm was done, might make things worse; 
And woidd be unkind to Lady Clara. 
For weeks, the constant burden of my thoughts 
Has been, whether to come to you, or no: — 
In the storm that just passed, the thunder 
.Mmost had a tongue to bid me hasten here: 
I arrived too late to see you : and retired. 
In despair, into yonder arbor: to me there. 
Soon came the sound of talking; your voice 
Among the rest. 

Sir Edward. 
Did you hear what transpired ? 

Hermina. 

I was an involuntary listener, at first : 
But as the strange colloquy proceeded, 
I greedily devoured every word ; and then 
My whole heart was full of thanks and joy: 
For heaven had, in a mysterious way. 
Solved the terrible puzzle better far, 
Than I could have ever dreamed of ! 

Sir Edward. 

Hosannas ! I am yours again ; yours forever ! 
And Lady Clara has the man of her choice ! 
Now let's talk of ourselves. Tell me Hermina, 

tell me that I am right in my visions : 
That when we stood in this same spot before, 
If you had responded to my question truly. 
You would have said — I love you ! 

Hermina. 

I love you !— 

1 thought so, then : — I know so, now ; for 
My love has been put to bitterest trial. 
And it grew stronger under the strain ! 

Sir Edward. 
Ecstasy ! Soft music from sweet lips ! 
(He starts to embrace her) 

Hermina. 

Hold.— 
There is more, yet. My father, at his death ; 
Made me promise with unusual solemnity. 
Never to marry, except under one condition : 
Lord Cruz was indirectly connected with 
This condition : when you went for my wraps 
I overheard him say something to his son. 
Which was proof positive that the condition 
Could never be fulfilled ; — so. to cure you, 
I used artifice, instead of truth. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



39 



Sir Edward. 

Grand girl ! 
You seemed lovely even amidst the doubts : 
The dispersed clouds have unveiled a saint ! 
And this man-elous admixture of religion, 
Passion, chastity and fashion, loves ME: — 
Yet can never be mine. Woe unutterable, 
And inconsolable ! 

Hermina. 
Sir Edward, I beseech you, 
Do not grieve so ! madness lies in such grief. 
Come, go in ; the wedding march has ceased. 
The bride and groom are out, and Archbishop 
Is about to begin ceremony : Lady Clara, 
Will feel hurt if you are not present. — 
My boat is moored over there at the quay ; 
When you come out again, you can see me off. 

Sir Edward. 
Heaven help us now, dear Hermina ! 

Hermina. 

Amen ! 

(Sir Edward crosses bridge and enters hotel, 

Hermina sits dozen burying face in hands) 

(Enter Lord Cruz and Viscount, Left.) 

Lord Cruz, (whisper) 
The deuce, I believe that's Hermina ! 

Viscount. 

Yes, 
Tt is she sure enough ! 

Lord Cruz. 

See, she is going 
To cross the bridge. — no, she stands on it. 

Viscount. 
The bridge has scarcely any side railing; 

.that she might tumble overboard. 

Lord Cruz. 

Hah! 
Why not force her off bridge into water. 
By galloping my horse across? li seen, 

1 can pretend it was a runaway. 

Viscount. 

Being 
For pedestrians only, it might break down. 

Lord Cruz. 
I hope not, — for it would be much safer, 
To get away unrecognized. 

Viscount. 

Well, try it,— 
Our horses are at hand. (Exeunt, Left) 
(Lord Cruz (masked) re-entering on horseback, 
i^^allops on bridge and runs Hermina down, she 
falls into icafcr "shrickiw:;," he rides across and 
escapes at right side of hotel, hearing shriek 



Sir Edward and other (jnests poke their heads 
out of chapel zvindozvs, then he comes on 
balcony, jumps in zvater, grasps Hermina, 
swims to shore, effects a landing, and 
lays her on grass near front of stage) 

Sir Edward. 
Speak to me my darling ! speak ! — No answer ! 
She is cold and stark ; and her silken dress. 
Hangs on her like a shroud ! O, envious flood, 
Hungering after my love : thou hast stopt 
In her body, and will not issue forth. 
Without harsh treatment : but even harshness 
May be forgiven, when its purpose is 
Salvation. (During last part of above speech, 
he tries to resuscitate her bv roHing: 
Crystal, Geraldine. .\lbert, some Guests, 
and some Attendants arc nozv gathering) 

Albert. 
Attendants, quick, fetch a doctor and litter! 

(Exeunt some Attendants) 

Geraldine. 
Saints of mercy! Crystal, it is Hermina! 

Crystal. 

Hermina drowned! My sweet, my darling, dead! 
O, O, this is a terrible shock! — 

Geraldine. 

She swoons ! 
Support her! (Attendants support Cry.stal) 
She is utterly unconscious : please take her. 
Gently, into the hotel. (They do) 

(Re-enter Attendants, with litter; a Doctor 
and an Officer: Doctor examines Hermina) 

Albert, (aside) 
There must have been foul play here ! It looks 
Like the work of Lord Cruz and the Viscount! 
There stands an officer: I will tell him 
Of my suspicions. (Albert joins the Officer) 

Doctor. 
There is just a spark of life remaining! 
Remove her to the patient's room. My friends. 
She needs rest now, and absolute quiet : — 
Those who leave her alone, will best show 
Their love. 

(Hermina is placed on litter and borne 
across bridge and into hotel, followed 
by everybody, except .Sir Edward) 

Sir Edward. 
The life of my love, hangs in the balance! 
Seconds, seem ages : and minutes, eternities ! 
(He paces up and dozvn) 
(Geraldine appears on balcony, zveeping) 

Geraldine. 
Sir Edward. 

Sir Edward. 
Yes. Geraldine. 



40 



THE LADY OP THE SWAMP 



Geraldine. 

Hermina is dead ! 
The officer just announced it to the guests. 

(Exit Geraldine) 



Sir Edward. 
Hermina is dead ! — And all that remains 
Of our beautiful love story, with its 
Thousand brilliant phases, is so brief, 
That it could be narrated in the limits, 
Of an epilogue at the end of a play ! (Exit) 



EPILOGUE 



The Court of Probate at London. A Judge's ros- 
trum at rear, where the Surrogate sits; he is 
absent, but folhni.'iug persons are present : the 
Clerk at desk on right of rostrum; the Steno 
at desk on left of rostrum; the Trustee at 
table in centre of stage; Lord Cruz, Viscount^ 
and Alexandria at table on right of stage; the 
District Attorney, and the police Officer 
at table on left of stage; Sir Edward, Geral- 
dine, Colonel Arden, Lady Clara, Albert. 
and Amy sitting in a group at left of stage; Izvo 
court-constables are on duty. A door at left, 
and a door at right in rear 2vh(\re Surrogate 
enters. 

"Preliminary." Enter, front of curtain, 
Sir Edward and Geraldine, Right. 

Geraldine. 

Here stands a structure : towering to heaven ! 
With its name immaculately carved in stone : 
"Hall of Records." 

Sir Edward. 

And in it are recorded ; 
The gains, (mostly ill-gotten gains) that men. 
Accumulate during their lives, and bequeath 
To their children at death. 

Geraldine. 

"Their possessions," 
They are most careful in recording. 



Sir Edward. 



"Their deeds," 



They keep no record of. 

Geraldine. 

The Recording Angel, 
Will attend to that ! — 

Sir Edward. 

The Court of Probate, 
With the Surrogate presiding, meets inside : 
Last wills and testaments are settled there. 

Geraldine. 

Then this is the place we are summoned to, — 
Where Alexandria is to get the millions, 
\\'hich sweet dear Hermina had the income of. 



Sir Edward. 

You see that while Sir Richard Drake died 
At The Swamp, he had his legal residence 
In London : and legal residence governs in 
Money matters : — so here we are in London. 
Come, let us enter. (E.vcunt, Left) 

(Enter Lord Cruz and Viscount, Right) 

Lord Cruz. 

"The law's delay," was included by Hamlet. 
In his category of life's calamities: 
But we have no reason to complain, now ; 
For Hermina has been dead only a week, 
And yet to-day, my boy, there is to be. 
The division of the spoils. If no lawyer. 
With his obstructive "motion," intervenes. 
The Trustee will pay over the money ! 



Viscount. 



Ha, ha! 



The authorities were nicely hoodwinked : — 
They deem it self-evident, that she herself. 
Accidentally fell off the bridge ; and so, 
Held no coroner's inquest. (E.reunt, left) 
(Curtain rises, disclosing courtroom scene.) 

Clerk. 

All f)ersons present in this Court of Probate, 
In obedience to subpoenas, in the matter 
Of the widow of Sir Richard Drake, against 
The Trustee of his estate, will kindly 
Come to desk and give their names to me. 
The clerk of the court. 

(Sir Edward, Geraldine, Colonel Arden, 
L.VDY Clara, Albert, and Amy, go to clerk. 
hand him subpoenas, and resume seats) 

Constable. 
His Honor, the Surrogate! (He enters, all 
rise; after he is seated, all resume seats) 

Surrogate. 
Mister clerk, are the parties in interest, 
And the witnesses, in the matter of 
Drake versus Trustee, present in court? 

Clerk. 

Yes,— 
Your Honor. 

Surrogate. 
Then we will proceed to adjudicate the case. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



41 



Viscount. 
Your Honor, didn't notice that / was present. 

Surrogate. 
Who are you, sir? 

Viscount. 

Why I am, Viscount Cruz. — 
Of his Majesty's Red Hussars. 

Surrogate. 

Sit down, sir! 
Don't interrupt the proceedings again. 
The petitioner, Alexandria Drake ; widow of 
Sir Richard Drake, and party in reversion. 
Under his will ; asks for a distribution. 
Of his estate : citing the well known fact. 
Of the death of his daughter Herniina, 
The tenant for life, — without heirs. 

Trustee. 

Your Honor — 
The petitioner, (accompanied by Lord Cruz, 
To whom she has assigned one half of all) 
Came to me and demanded quick payment 
Of the trust funds : I would have complied ; 
But as some one had served an objection. 
The law compelled me to refer them here. 

Surrogate. 

And I set aside to-day for the hearing. — 
Mr. District Attorney ; you made the objection ; 
We will hear you first : please proceed with 
Your argument. 

District Attorney. 

I shall have something to say, 
Your Honor, after the distribution is made : 
All I will say now, is this : My objection 
Was served on Trustee, because I wanted 
The distribution to occur in open court. 

Surrogate 

The only thing, then, remaining to do. 
Is to catechise the several witnesses ; 
Whom constable of this court summoned here. 
After a visit to The Swamp, and a talk 
With the housemaid. Amy. All persons that 
Received subpoenas will please arise. 

(Sir Edward, Geraldine, Colonel Arden, 
Lady Clara, Albert, and Amy, rise) 

Ladies and Gentlemen : You have all been 
Summoned here, on an order to show cause. 
That is, to make known, either by person, 
Or by attorney, anything you may know. 
As a reason why estate of Richard Drake, 
Should not be paid over to Alexandria Drake. 
Have you anything to say? 

Colonel Arden. . 

No, — your Honor. 
I answer for all. {Witnesses resume scats) 



Surrogate. 
No one desires to interpose objections. — 
Now, Mr Trustee, let's have the inventory. 

Trustee. 
Here it is, your Honor. 

Surrogate. 

What is the total? 

Trustee. 
Two million pounds, rough. 

Surrogate. 

Two million pounds ! 
A fabulous fortune ! Let me see inventory. 

(Surrogate looks at paper, and returns it) 
Consisting of stocks bonds and real estate. — 
You said, that she had assigned half of it. 
To Lord Cruz. 

Trustee. 

Yes, — here is the assignment: 
Which he left with me, as notification 
That the money be paid direct to him. 

Surrogate. 
{After inspection) This assignment, properly 
Made and attested, transfers to Lord Cruz, 
A clear title to one half of the property : — 
Therefore, you will pay him one million pounds. — 
Is Lord Cruz in court? 

Lord Cruz. 

Your Honor, I am 
Lord Cruz. 

Surrogate. 
The petitioner and yourself. 
Will have to agree u]3on a division : else. 
The court must appoint appraisers. 

Lord Cruz. 

Division. 
Has already been made : very acceptable to 
The widow and myself. 

Surrogate. 

Is she in courtroom ? 

Alexandria. 
I am -Alexandria Drake, Sir. 

Surrogate. 

You have heard. 
What has been said: is vour half satisfactory? 



Alexandria. 



Yes, Sir. 



Trustee. 
Here are two piles of securities. 
Each representing a million pounds : this one 
Is the petitioner's; this one is Lord Cruz's. 
{He takes them up. a pile in cither hand) 



42 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Surrogate. 
The securities, now stand in your name, 
As Trustee ; and you will have to endorse 
Them over to these two owners : the court, 
Had better be adjourned an hour or so, 
To enable yoi: to do this. 

Trustee. 

Your Honor, 
All this has already been attended to ; 
And now. this pile stands in the name of 
Alexandria Drake ; and this pile stands in 
The name of Lord Cruz. All that remains. 
To put the parties in absolute ownership. 
Is delivery. 

Surrogate. 
Each [)arty on receiving money, 
Must sign a full and complete acquittance. 

Trustee. 
Such receipts are prepared ; here they are. 

Surrogate. 
Well, have them signed ; then make delivery. 

Trustee. 
Madam, will you kindly oblige? 

Alexandria. 

With pleasure. 
(She signs her receipt) 

Trustee. 
Now, Lord Cruz, will you please sign yours? 

Lord Cruz. 
Ha ! Ha ! Kings never signed the death warrants. 
Of pretenders to their thrones ; with as much 
Alacrity, as I affix my signature to this! 

(He signs his receipt) 
Trustee. 
Here are two hand-bags, in which securities 
Can be deposited for removal. 

Alexandria. 

Just the thing. 

Trustee. 
Now, I will make delivery. — Here, Madam, 
Is your share: and here. Lord Cruz, is yours. 
(They take them; fill hags and carry them) 

Lord Cruz. 
Was ever tiny satchel so richly laden ! 

Trustee. 
I can have a court-messenger take them 
To your respective homes. 

Alexandria. 

No, thank you ! 
We prefer to carry them. (Fondles bag) 
Did ever children, have such pretty toys ! 



Surrogate. 
This terminates the proceedings. 

Trustee. 

Then Sir, — 
As all my duties as Trustee are performed. 
I respectfully ask for my discharge paper. 

Surrogate. 
I now instruct the Clerk, to make it out. 
And hand it to you. And all your papers ; 
Including the inventory and the receipts ; 
You will please give to the Clerk of Court, 
To be filed as Records. 

District Attorney. 

Yes, vour Honor, — 
Records of a CRIME! 

Surrogate. 

A crime ! What mean you ? 

District Attorney. 
You shall be enlightened. But behold there; 
The criminals are quitting the courtroom : — 
I demand that they be detained ! 

Surrogate. 

Constable, — 
Bring the Lady and Gentleman : and the bags. 
Back in court. (They are brought back) 

Now Mr. District Attorney, you may proceed. 

District Attorney. 
Your Honor, — This is a criminal conspiracy ; 
To defraud the lawful owners of this estate : — 
And was fully consummated ; when conspirators- 
Took possession of it, and signed receipts. 

Surrogate. 
An amazing revelation ! 

District .A.ttorney. 

To properly tell 
The story, I must revert to an event, 
That occurred a year and a half ago. 
Alexandria Drake, left her home, and went 
To friends in London here : soon after this 
She received a letter from her daughter. 
Stating, that shock of her flight had killed 
Her invalid husband ; and that he believing 
It an elopement, had exacted a solemn pledge 
From his daughter, that unless the mother. 
Repenting of her act, returned, innocent 
And contrite, she (the daughter) was never 
To marry. The letter's close, exhorted 
The mother to return home. — The letter. 
Dropped from her nerveless hand, and in 
A complete state of dementia, she left 
The house, and wandered away from London, 
Out into the country. In an institution, 
(where she was placed) a cure was effected, 
In all save her memory. 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



43 



Surrogate. 

"Suspended memory," 
I think it is technically called : — the past, 
Was entirely obliterated. 

District Attorney. 

Yes, your Honor. — 
But fate continued, in its mysterious way. 
To work out the problem, of these two lives. 
They were quickly brought together again : 
Sickness had changed mother past recognition. 
But a mutual love sprang up. The evening 
Of the sad accident, they were both guests 
At the Buckingham at Camelot. When she saw 
Hermina lying on the grass, she fainted : 
And was ill several days. On recovering. 
Her memory was completely restored. 

Surrogate. 

A highly romantic and pathetic story ! 
Is she in attendance ? 

District Attorney. 

Yes, in an ante-room. 
Officer, please fetch her in. (Exil Officer) 

Surrogate. 

And you kept this secret back, in order 
To catch these conspirators red-handed ? 

District Attorney. 
Yes, your Honor. 

Surrogate. 
I quite commend your course. 

Sir Edward, (aside) 

Sweet, sweet, Hermina! — 

The inexplicable mystery of her actions. 

Is explained. How she must have suffered. 

Over a mother's presumptive guilt, and 

A father's stern mandate. But the mother 

Is back, fully exonerated : the "condition" 

That sundered us. has been fulfilled. 

O, that she were alive! But alive or dead, 

She is mine forever ! 

(Re-enter Officer with Crystal, Left) 

District Attorney. 
This is Alexandria Drake. 

Omnes. 

Crystal ! Crystal ! 
Crystal. 
(Greeting each zvarmly tvith hand-shake) 
Yes, Geraldine — Sir Edward — Amy — and all ! 
I am Alexandria, mother of dear Hermina. 

Geraldine. 
What, dear Crystal, you Hermina's mother? 
This is simply delightful ! 



Sir Edward. 

Alexandria, — 
Mrs. Drake, — for so we will have to address 
You henceforth ; the knowing that you are 
Dear Hermina's mother, makes me as happy. 
As I can be in this hour of sorrow. 

Amy. 
You, whom she loved so well, are the mother; 
Whose loss she deplored :— Wonderful! 
(The Surrogate raps for order) 

Surrogate. 
Sorry to curtail this affecting scene ; but 
There is more business before the court.— 
Who is the other woman ? 

District Attorney. 

A false claimant. 
Who possessing a marvelous resemblance, 
To the real mother before her illness, 
Was brought forward by Lord Cruz and Son. 
And installed in the home at The Swamp. 

Viscount. 
A preposterous charge ! and utterly untrue ! 
But why should Viscount Cruz, demean himself 
So far. as to dispute with low-bom people. 

False Claimant. 
Oh, that stem district attorney scares me! 

Lord Cruz. 
The whole story is a lie ! I brand it false 
In every particular ! A pretty fable enough ; 
But the court is not so easily gulled : 
This vast sum of money, must be distributed 
In accordance with law ; and not — libel : — 
I demand your proof ! 

District Attorney. 

And you shall have it— 
Perhaps I violate confidence when I say. 
That Albert here, is in love with Amy ; 
And can't win her. 

Surrogate. 

Albert, that is too bad. 

Albert. 
Yes, your Honor. Can't the court help me! 

Surrogate. 
I will look up the authorities. Albert ;— 
But I fear that such cases, are not within 
Our jurisdiction. 

District Attorney. 

.Amy kept Albert posted. 
About matters that transpired at The Swamp: 
Albert and Viscount were regimental comrades: 
So it is not strange that amorous Albert, 
Inspired by his love for Amy, (Amy blushes) 
Did unearth a plot of Lord Cruz and Son : 
Which, was not communicated to the police, 
(But through no fault of his) until after 



44 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



He saw Hermina's botly lying on the lawn. 
Part of this plot, has just been enacted, 
Before your Honor's eyes : the rest of it, 
(Not exact words, but their logical outcome) 
Was Hermina thrown from bridge by Lord Cruz. 

Lord Cruz. 
'Tis false! I defy hell itself to prove it! 
(The police officer opens door at left, 
and Hermina enters in snozvy white; the 
startled exclamations that ensue, are 
frowned dozen by District Attorney; 
Hermina advancing points finger at Crus) 

Lord Cruz. 
Speak ! speak ! thou fearful ghost ! 
Who having heard my boast, 
Comest to daunt me : 
Wrapt not in eastern balms. 
But with thy shapely hands 
Sparkling with diamond bands; 
Why dost thou haunt me ! 

God ! with what a piteous look those eyes 
Of thine, that now pierce deep into my soul. 
Looked up at me, as I rode my horse on you. 
And drove you off the bridge! 

District Attorney. 

That proof,— 
Will convict him of an attempted murder : 

1 ask all present to witness that speech. 

Here is an arrest-warrant: Remove him Officer. 
(Police officer takes Cruz out, and returns. 
Dis. Attorney seats Hermina at his tabic) 

Surrogate. 
This then is Hermina; the tenant for life: — 
She is alive ; not — dead ! 

District Attorney. 

Yes, alive, Sir! 
And that she is so, calls for e.xplanation. 
To Albert, belongs much of the credit. 
For the triumph of justice here to-day: 
He told the police officer of the plot; 
And police officer notified me : I arrived 
Some time later ; and questioned Hermina, 
And others ; getting the following facts. 
Hermina was standing on a bridge/ when 
A man on horseback, wearing a black mask, 
Deliberately drove her into the water. 
.A.fter she had been taken into the hotel. 
She seemed dead ; and it was so announced : 
Soon afterwards, she showed signs of life; 
.And some hours hence, was almost well. 
She went into room where lay her mother ; 
Then known as Crystal : and overheard 
A hundred things said by her in delirium. 
That no one ever knew but her own mother : — 
Bringing her the blessed assurance, that 
The lost one was found : and also the proof. 
That the mother whom Viscount brought home, 
Was an impostor. — .\ftcr due deliberation. 



I hit ujion the drama, we have just seen 
In this courtroom. Consequently, I allowed 
The report given out of Hermina's death, 
To remain uncontradicted. 

Surrogate. 

You may well 
Call it a drama : for one startling sur{)rise. 
Succeeds upon another! 

District Attorney. 
Officer; take the Viscount, and that woman, 
Lito custody. 

False Claimant. 

Ha, ha ! I shall be delighted. 
To get back among "the demimontle," even if 
It be not as a queen : — playing the part 
Of a new Magdalen, has become tiresome! 

Viscount. 
Damn it all ! father told me that you was. 
The mother. 

False Claimant. 

Viscount, you are a bad one ; 
But give devil his due : you never knew 
That your father, mistaking me for her, 
But finding I was not, spent a full week. 
Drilling me into the part. There, said he. 
In the remote contingency that Alexandria 
Turns up, I will swear that I really thought, 
You to be her. 

Viscount. 
You, Sir Edward, I hate you ! and your bride 
To be ! Were it not for Colonel .A^rden there, 
You would have been separated forever: 
And all owing to those lies, that father 
Told me about her mother ; so that she, 
Sitting in the hotel arbor, would surely 
Overhear them : — ha, ha ! 

(Officer takes Viscount and Claimant out) 

Surrogate. 
Mr. Tnistee, you will make the affidavits. 
Of Hermina, and her mother Alexandria ; 
Each one stating that the woman formerly 
Known as Crystal, is Richard Drake's widow : 
And file them with the clerk of court, ^ 
Now for my decision : The petitioner's 
Request for a distribution of the estate. 
Is denied on the ground that she is a 
False claimant ; and also on the ground that 
The report of the tenatU for life's death. 
Is erroneous. That you are still Trustee : 
And will pay the whole income of estate. 
Yearly to Hermina. — Court is adjourned. 

Constable. 
His Honor, the Surrogate, adjourns the court ! 

(Surrogate goes out attended bv Constables : 
District Attorney and Trustee shake hands ivith 
Hermina and go out, left.) 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



45 



(Hermina rises to greet her friends.) 

Ladv Clara. 
What a romantic affair ! and I love romance ! 

( They embrace. ) 
This is Colonel Arden : my beloved husband. 

Hermina. 
Delighted to meet you ! 

Arden. 

And I, to meet you ! 

Geraldine. 
Darling Hermina ! that you are alive and well, 
Is almost too good to be true! (They embrace) 
And dear, you have found your lost mother ! 

Hermina. 

Yes! 
I owe far more thanks to heaven for that. 
Than for the preservation of my own life! 

Amy. 
Dear Mistress! for a week these eyes of mine. 
Have wept your obsequies ! and here you stand. 
As though the grave had given up its dead : — 
O, I am happy ! I can scarcely speak it ! 

(Hermina brings Amy to Albert, footlights.) 

Hermina. 
Amy, this is Captain Albert : who rendered 
Such valuable service ; and also helped the 
District attorney to prepare the case. 
We have grown to be warm friends ; Dear Amy 
You too must be his friend. 

Amy. 

Friend ! — Hermina ? 
Why he is my lover ! 

Hermina. 

Ah ! sayest thou so ! 
Well in that case THREE is a crowd. 

(Hermina rejoins others: Albert and Amy 
stand gazing sheepishly at each other.) 

Arden. {calling.) 
Be bold, Albert, be bold ! 

Albert (answers) 

Y-ye-yes, sir ! — 
Amy, I am going to ask — you know what. 

Amy. 
How should I ; do you think I can divine ? 

Albert. 
I am going to ask you. to be — mine ! 

Amy. 
I fear, if I have child, 'twould be a poet. 

Albert. 
^^'hat if he is, as long as no one knows it. 



Amy. 
I said, "Help my Hermina, and I'll marry you." 

Albert. 

Yes. 
Amy. 
Well, Albert, to that promise I'll be true. 

Albert. 
But you love me a little ? 

Amy. 

No I do not. 

Albert. 

What ? 

Amy. 
Not a little, — I love you a whole lot! 

(Albert embraces Amy, and they protnenade.) 
(Sir Edward brings Hermina to footlights.) 

Sir Edward. 
Hermina, my heart is torn by tender emotion ! 
I must perforce dear bring you here aside. 
To tell again of an undying devotion ; 
And ask you fair one to be my bride ! 

Hermina. 

Your bride ! 
Sir Edward. 
Your beloved mother is back ! 

Hermin.\. 

Yes, thank God! 

Sir Edward. 
Your father's mandate is fulfilled. 

Hermina. 

Yes, Yes. 

Sir Edward. 
Then nothing prevents our loving each other? 

Hermina. 
Nothing whatever. 

Sir Edward. 

Then say that you are mine ! 

Hermina. 
I am yours forever! (Embrace.) 

Sir Edward. 
Darling! how you must have suffered ! ! 

Hermina. 
But I am blissfully happy now ! 
To have the storm clouds gather. 
And the deep voiced thunder too, 
Is tuit to brintj a yawning rift 
With the sunlight streaming through! 

Alexandria, {comes up.) 
My darling ones ! To see you two united. 
Is to have my fondest hopes realized ! ! 



46 



THE LADY OF THE SWAMP 



Hekmina. 
Dear, dear mother! 

Sir Edward. 

I too will say mother! 

(They both embrace Alexandria; then she 
joins their hands, and standing away points 
her finger at them) 



Alexandria. 
What a lovely tapestry, with its living web, 
Has been, with the Almighty weaver's guidance, 
Woven here ! 

"One weary night, when months went by, 
I plied my loom with tear and sigh, 
In grief unnamed, untold ; 
But when at last the morning's light 
Broke on my vision, fair and liright 
There gleamed a cloth of gold !" 
(Curtain) 



LENGTH OF PLAY. 

This "play" contains 2500 lines of "speaking matter." In order to get the proper 
results, it should be played in full — that is without any abridgment; which can be done in 
two and three quarter hours: a very fair time for a stage production. Its somewhat ex- 
tended length, as evidenced by the number of pages, is caused not by an excess of "speak- 
ing lines' — but by the amplitude of scenic descriptions, and stage directions. 



COSTUMES OF PLAY. 

As stated in the beginning, the place of the drama is in England, and the time is the 
present. An English knight to-day is one on whom knighthood, a dignity next below that of 
baronet, is conferred by the sovereign, entitling him to be addressed as SIR. The term 
knight is used in this play not alone in this sense, but embraces the poetical and romantic 
one, which means a champion, a partisan, a lover. From modem times way back to ancient 
times, the costumes of knights and ladies have been of infinite variety, each period being 
noted for its own particular elegance — the times when both ladies and knights wore the 
gorgeous colored velvet tunics and mantles, deserves special mention. Should the pro- 
ducer perchance become fascinated with the costumes of some former period, there is noth- 
ing in the play to prevent the selection of that period as the time of the play, instead of the 
present. 



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